Bajrang Dal’s demand to rename food stall sparks controversy in Jalpaiguri B

MP, June 2, 2026, Jalpaiguri: A controversy broke out in Jalpaiguri town on Sunday after members of the Bajrang Dal allegedly asked a Muslim food stall owner to change the name of his outlet, claiming the name on the signboard did not match the name mentioned in his trade licence.

The incident took place at a food stall located opposite the LIC office in the town. The outlet, owned by Mohammad Yunus, had been operating under the name “Rahul’s Butter Naan”.

According to reports, Bajrang Dal activists visited the stall while it was open for business and urged the owner to run the establishment under the name appearing in official records.

Abhijit Roy, Town Convenor of the Jalpaiguri district unit of the Bajrang Dal, said the organisation had no objection to anyone running a business irrespective of religion. However, he claimed local residents had raised concerns over the name of the shop.

“According to the trade licence, the establishment is registered in the name of Mohammad Yunus. There is no one in his family or among his associates named Rahul. Yet he is conducting business under that name. Our demand is that he use the name mentioned in the trade licence so that customers are not confused,” Roy said.

Responding to the issue, Yunus said he had been asked to change the signboard and would comply.

“I have been asked to change the name on the shop’s signboard. I will do so,” he said.

The incident drew criticism from some citizens of Jalpaiguri.

Pantha Dasgupta, a member of the Jalpaiguri Citizens’ Forum, accused the BJP, RSS and Bajrang Dal of attempting to create divisions on religious lines.

“If there is any legal or administrative issue, it is for the administration to address. No organisation has the right to act as a self-appointed policing authority. We urge the administration to take immediate action against those involved,” Dasgupta said.