Once mandatory, Mamata Banerjee’s books to be removed from Bengal public libraries

The BJP government in West Bengal has decided to remove books written by former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee from the state's public libraries. Under the previous Trinamool Congress-led government, Banerjee's books were mandatory in all government school libraries and state-run public libraries. Speaking to The Indian Express, Mass Education Extension and Library Services Minister Gouri Shankar Ghosh said that unnecessary books by Banerjee, such as 'Epang-Opang-Jhapang', will no longer remain in libraries.

Ghosh added that the previous government had a sort of dictatorship, removing any books by the former chief minister that did not contribute to students' learning. Public libraries would instead prioritize books that contribute to knowledge, intellectual development, and nationalist thought. Ghosh also mentioned plans to modernize the libraries and set up free libraries across the state.

Controversy arose after Ghosh claimed that 19 books borrowed by Banerjee from the state Assembly library were yet to be returned, including 18 volumes of 'Rabindra Rachanabali' and a copy of 'Sanchayita'. Banerjee denied the allegations, stating that the books are kept in her official chambers at the Assembly and that she can establish several libraries herself.

The former chief minister has authored over 100 books, many of which have been published internationally.