The number of BJP’s puja book stalls has increased since 2019
The aim, said a party functionary, was not only propagating the core philosophy of the party but also use the opportunity to connect with a large cross-section of voters, youth and families during the festive season.
“We have set a target of building 5,000 book stalls across Bengal. Nearly 250 stalls will be set up in Kolkata. The plan is to set up at least 100 stalls in every district, according to a party member. Book stalls by BJP workers during the festive days increased its presence in 2019, after the party secured 18 Lok Sabha seats from the state.
But the number will be more this time,” said Debjit Sarkar, spokesperson for the Bengal BJP. We will also have books on the performance and achievements of the state govt in the past five months,” said Bengal BJP spokesperson Saptarshi Chowdhury. This is not the first time that the BJP will build book stalls during the puja. The BJP stalls will offer books on Prime Minister Narendra Modi ’s tenure in office, the life and ideology of Syama Prasad Mookerjee, founder of the Bharatiya Jana Sangh, as well as literature on the history of the BJP and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). Special booklets, highlighting the schemes and achievements of the central and state govts, will be distributed among pandal visitors free of cost. These publications will contain information on investment in the state, beneficiaries of social welfare schemes, administrative reforms, women’s safety and economic empowerment. “It is not about selling books. It’s about making people aware of the sanatani tradition and core philosophy of Hindutva.