According to state VHP leaders, the move is prompted by China’s support to Pakistan after the Uri attacks, apart from blocking the move by India to designate Masood Azar, Jaish-e-Muhammed chief, as a global terrorist.
“China is supporting Pakistan, a terrorist nation. It has blocked one of the tributaries of Brahmaputra and vetoed the move against Masood Azar at UN. We are appealing to everyone to boycott Chinese goods, especially during this festive season. Why should we allow Chinese products in India when the country is acting against our nation? What better time than Diwali when a lot of Chinese products get used,” said Sourish Mukherjee, media in-charge of VHP’s Bengal unit.
The initiative has been started from Malda district where Bajrang Dal activists have put up posters and placards calling for the boycott of Chinese goods. The campaign will cover all districts of Bengal with special stress on Kolkata.
Read:Now, a campaign to boycott Chinese lights, promote earthen diyas this festive season in Bengal
“We have already started an online campaign on Facebook and Twitter. The response is good. We also plan to symbolically burn Chinese goods on Kolkata streets this week,” said Mukherjee.
VHP, which has over 20,000 members in Bengal, has pressed in all its wing organisations like Bajrang Dal, Durga Bahini, Go Seva Dal and Dharma Jagran Manch into the initiative.
Apart from hoardings, placards, posters and handbills, VHP cadres will approach shopkeepers and dealers in Chinese goods. They will create awareness against Chinese products and urge businessmen to stop stocking such products.
VHP has pressed in all its wing organisations like Bajrang Dal, Durga Bahini, Go Seva Dal and Dharma Jagran Manch into the initiative. The initiative started from Malda and will spread to all districts of Bengal. (HT Photo)
“Instead use Desi products. We are urging the people to use made-in-India products. This way we will be able to generate jobs for our youths and the money will remain within the nation,” said Mukherjee.
Interestingly, BJP leaders including national general secretary Kailsah Vijayvargiya has called for a boycott of Chinese goods. After Pakistan, public anger in India has been directed at China. Such sentiments escalated after China blocked a tributary of the Brahmaputra.
Read:Desi diyas to eclipse Chinese fancy lights
Assam minister for health, education and finance Himanta Biswa has jumped onto the bandwagon and has appealed to the masses to completely avoid buying Chinese goods during the festive season.
Interestingly, from decorative lights, lamps, gift items, pandal decoration, decorative cloths, artificial flowers used by households and community Puja organisers are all made in China.
Bengal and especially Kolkata has been for years flooded with Chinese imports from toys to household items, decorative items, ball bearings, pins and a host of other goods.
In Bengal, groups of youths and individuals have already started similar campaigns in relation to promoting earthen diyas.