WB Library Row: Mamata’s ‘Epang Opang Jhapang’ May Be Removed From Library

Former Chief Minister Mamta Banerjee’s poem “Epang Opang Jhapang” has come under scrutiny as a debate over the books kept in West Bengal libraries has erupted. According to sources, several books written by Mamata Banerjee may be removed from libraries. State Library Minister Gaurishankar Ghosh has indicated that government aided libraries will now only keep books that are educational and help promote national consciousness. He said books that do not significantly contribute to the intellectual development of readers, especially children, will be removed.

Mamata Banerjee’s Book Faces Trouble

According to sources, Gaurishankar Ghosh said that people visit libraries to gain knowledge, so libraries should contain books that provide learning and values. He stated, 

Books such as “Epang Opang Jhapang” would be removed from libraries. 

The minister’s remarks are being viewed as a comment on books written by former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

Ghosh said that books which do not help in the development of children’s minds and personalities would not be kept in libraries, as they only occupy valuable space. He added that libraries would continue to stock works by great literary and intellectual figures such as Rabindranath Tagore, Kazi Nazrul Islam, and Swami Vivekananda. Biographies of historical personalities like Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Maharana Pratap would also remain available.

In June 2025, the state government directed school libraries to include books written by then Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. At the time, a list of 515 books was issued, of which nearly 90 were authored by Banerjee. Secondary and higher secondary schools were also provided financial assistance of 1 lakh Rupees each to purchase these books.

What is “Epang Opang Jhapang” ?

The phrase “Epang Opang Jhapang” has been a subject of discussion in Bengal politics for a long time. It was originally used as a jingle in an advertisement for an energy drink aimed at children. The phrase has no specific meaning in the Bengali language, although it is often associated with movement, bustle, or playful activity.

The phrase later gained attention because of one of Mamata Banerjee’s poems, and the BJP has frequently used it to criticise her. Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari has also targeted Mamata Banerjee using the phrase on several occasions.

In 2022, Mamata Banerjee received the Bangla Academy Award for her poetry collection Kabita Bitan. At that time, her poem Epang Opang Jhapang also sparked political and literary debate. Similar styles have previously been used in Bengali literature by noted writer Ananda Shankar Ray.