New Delhi, May 19: The BJP-led government in West Bengal has announced the discontinuation of assistance programs for religious leaders starting this June. This decision has sparked political controversy, with the Congress party accusing the BJP of shifting its stance for electoral gain just after winning the elections.
The decision was made during the second cabinet meeting of the BJP government in the state. It was confirmed that the religious-based allowance schemes for imams and priests would be terminated.
Congress MLA Aradhana Mishra-Mona commented on the BJP’s approach, stating that it exemplifies political ambition when statements made for electoral benefits are reversed post-elections. However, she supported Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari’s assertion that he represents all of West Bengal, not just a specific class or community. She noted that both imams and priests would see their allowances cut. When the new Chief Minister took office, he emphasized his role as the Chief Minister for the entire state, which she deemed commendable.
Defending the cabinet’s decision, BJP leader T.R. Srinivasan described it as a very positive step by Chief Minister Adhikari. He accused former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of allocating more resources to minorities compared to science and technology.
Srinivasan highlighted a figure from the previous government’s interim budget, stating that only ₹155 crores were allocated for science and technology, while ₹5,700 crores were directed towards minority affairs and madrasah education. He expressed skepticism about the intentions behind such allocations.
He asserted that the new Chief Minister’s decision is a commendable move, as the BJP believes in prioritizing the nation.
Mohammad Ashraf Ali Kasmi, district secretary of the Jamiat Ulema in Kolkata, remarked that the previous government had allocated allowances to religious leaders in recognition of their services to their communities. He clarified that the new BJP government’s decision to halt these allowances would not impact imams and priests, as they were not reliant on them.
Kasmi stated that if the government aims to avoid discrimination among religions with this decision, he supports it. He emphasized that the government should work for all citizens, regardless of their faith, and focus on education and healthcare rather than the happenings in temples or mosques.
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