CJP claims BJP pressure behind cancellation of Kolkata events

The Centre for Indian People's History (CJP) on Monday accused the Bharatiya Janata Party of orchestrating pressure that forced the cancellation of multiple public events in Kolkata. The organization said it had to call off scheduled press conferences and meetings due to what it described as intimidation tactics.

CJP co-convenor Ashutosh Ranka dismissed suggestions that such efforts would dampen the organization's activities or public support. "You cannot stop the cockroaches in this way. The more they try to prevent us, the more youth will come forward," Ranka said in a statement, using the inflammatory metaphor to describe opponents of the communist organization.

The cancellations mark the latest flashpoint in escalating tensions between left-wing and right-wing organizations in West Bengal. The state has seen repeated clashes between groups aligned with opposing political ideologies over the past year.

The BJP could not be immediately reached for comment on the allegations. Political observers in Kolkata have noted growing friction between different ideological camps ahead of upcoming state elections.