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Statistics of the Finance Department show that the allocation to the department has increased 11.87 times in the state from 2011 to 2025, which gives the BJP the bloom.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee during a press conference after the state budget 2025-26 presentation in the state assembly in Kolkata. (PTI)
The West Bengal government’s decision to increase the allocation for the Minority and Madrasah Department in the latest state budget has become the latest ammunition for the BJP, which has questioned the priorities of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.
The data of the Finance Department shows that the allocation to the department has increased by 11.87 times in the state from 2011 to 2025. In 2011, when the Banerjee government came to power, the expenditure was Rs 472 crore. This year, budgetary allocation is Rs 5,602.29 crore – from 2011 to 11.87 times.
Booting the government, BJP leader Amit Malviya posted on X: “Mamata Banerjee government’s budget priorities in Bengal shocking budget priorities. While Bengal struggles with unemployment and poor infrastructure and failed industries, the TMC government continues its clear appeasement politics. Just look at this budget allocation. ,
Mamata Banerjee government’s shocking budget priorities in West Bengal. Bengal struggles with unemployment, poor infrastructure and failed industries, the TMC government has continued its clear appeasement politics! Just see these budget allocation:
Minority cases… pic.twitter.com/rh3dyjubho
– Amit Malviya (@Amitmalviya) 12 February, 2025
It has been mentioned in the budget that Rs 5,602.29 crore has been allocated to the Minority Department for the year 2025-2026. In the year 2024-25, the budget allocation for the same was Rs 5,530.65 crore.
On returning, data suggests that in the budget of 2023-2024, the allocation for the department was Rs 5,166.99; It was Rs 5,004.05 crore in 2022-23; And indicate a steady increase in Rs 4,777.82 crore in 2021-2022.
Reacting to criticism, TMC National General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee said: “Why the central government’s budgetary allocation on minorities has decreased? Is it because minorities do not cast their vote for BJP? In the Education Department, the government has allocated more than Rs 40,000 crore. Does the Bengal government see religion among those who are getting the benefit of Lakhir Bhandar and Kansree schemes? ,
TMC Minister Sobandeb Chattopadhyay told News18, “Mamta Banerjee government wants development for all sections of people. The budget focuses on those who are poor and from backward classes. In one society, a group of people do well, while others are left behind. Banerjee does not want this. Only Muslims are not only minorities. There are others and we have to bring them all together. The BJP is trying to promote a wrong story. The budgetary allocation of all departments has increased. ,
This was the final budget presented by the Banerjee government before the state elections next year and therefore, has become a bone of dispute between TMC and BJP.
