Kolkata, June 29 -- West Bengal BJP president Samik Bhattacharya on Monday said the Kolkata Book Fair should remain a celebration of literature and not become a platform for political confrontation, while advocating freedom of expression and greater inclusivity in the state's literary and cultural sphere.
Speaking at a programme organised by the Bangiya Granthashilpo Parishad to mark the 90th birth anniversary of noted author Buddhadeb Guha at Mahajati Bhavan here, Bhattacharya described the Kolkata Book Fair as an institution with emotional significance for readers across the country. He acknowledged that an event of its scale could face logistical challenges and differences over issues such as the allocation of exhibition space, but urge...