The banners, put up by the Hindu Jagaran Manch (HJM), carry messages such as “Eat biryani at a Hindu shop” and “Buy puja articles from Hindu shops”.
HJM is a right-wing Hindu missionary group affiliated to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), the ideological parent of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
HJM calls it an appeal
“This is not a diktat but an appeal. If people support businesses run by Hindus, it will also impact the local economy,” HJM member Abhishek Das was quoted as saying by NDTV.
Ashok Bhattacharya calls for action
Reacting to the banners, veteran CPI(M) leader Ashok Bhattacharya described the campaign as a “crime” in a secular and democratic country.
He urged the administration to remove the posters and arrest those responsible for putting them up.
Festive Row in Siliguri! Hindu Jagaran Mancha posters urging citizens to buy puja items and biryani exclusively from Hindu shops spark massive debate ahead of Durga Puja. #siliguripujacelebration #DurgaPuja #festivespecialfood #HinduJagaranMancha #BiryaniCravings #mrygnews https://t.co/7J5Lf4DfBr
— mryg news (@mrygnews) October 12, 2026
BJP distances itself from campaign
While several residents have opposed the appeal, the BJP has distanced itself from the campaign, emphasising that the HJM operates independently.