West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Wednesday asked libraries in the state to stock books of polymath and social reformer Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar instead of Mamata Banerjee's books.
The BJP government in West Bengal has decided to remove former chief minister Mamata Banerjee's books from state-run and government school libraries, which was once mandatory for them.
Addressing a gathering at Vidyasagar's birthplace Birsingha in Paschim Medinipore district, Adhikari said the state government would develop the village as a destination for tourists and researchers and undertake a series of infrastructure projects.
"Vidyasagar left behind an immense treasure. This government will follow his path. There are numerous books, so do not buy 'Epang Opang Jhapang' (poem penned by Mamata Banerjee) anymore. Buy Vidyasagar's books and fill school libraries with them," he said.
The chief minister said a library at Birsingha would be developed into a museum. The government also plans to build cottages for researchers studying Vidyasagar and provide accommodation for tourists visiting the village, he said.
"Many people want to carry out research. I have asked the district magistrate to provide land to build special cottages for them."
He also said a 'Vidyasagar Shishu Udyan', a community hall and new roads would be built, while solar lights would be installed in the village. The government would also improve the infrastructure of the local health centre and renovate libraries, he said.
Banerjee's poem 'Epang Opang Jhapang' is known for its playful, whimsical verses, which drew attention in the state's political and cultural circles, as several critics questioned their literary and educational value.
Incidentally, this June, the West Bengal government announced a revamp of state-run and public libraries and proposed removing books considered to have little educational or intellectual value. 'Epang Opang Jhapang' was among the titles mentioned in connection with the move.