New Delhi, May 19: The BJP-led West Bengal government has announced the cessation of support schemes for religious leaders, effective June this year. This decision has sparked political controversy, with the Congress party accusing the BJP of shifting its stance for political gain following electoral victories.
The announcement was made during the second cabinet meeting of the state government, stating that allowance schemes for imams and priests will be discontinued.
Congress MLA Aradhana Mishra-Mona criticized the BJP’s approach, highlighting that making statements for political advantage during elections and then reversing them post-elections exemplifies political ambition. However, she supported Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari’s assertion that he is the chief minister for all of West Bengal, not just specific communities.
In defense of the cabinet’s decision, BJP leader T.R. Srinivasan described it as a positive step by the Chief Minister. He accused former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of allocating more funds to minorities than to science and technology.
Srinivasan presented figures from the previous government’s interim budget, revealing that only ₹155 crores were allocated for science and technology, while ₹5,700 crores were designated for minority affairs and madrasah education. He expressed skepticism about the previous government’s intentions.
Mohammad Ashraf Ali Kasmi, district secretary of the Jamiat Ulema in Kolkata, stated that the previous government had allocated allowances to religious leaders in recognition of their services to their communities. He clarified that the new government’s decision to halt these allowances would not impact imams and priests, as they were not dependent on them.
Kasmi expressed support for the government’s decision if it aims to avoid discrimination among religions, emphasizing that the government should focus on serving all citizens, regardless of their faith, and prioritize education and healthcare over religious concerns.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.