India's extremist BJP persecutes Muslims in West Bengal

Unrest in West Bengal

There has been an atmosphere of extreme unrest and panic in West Bengal since the change of government. It is alleged that the BJP has started eviction and vandalism campaigns in various parts of the state since coming to power.

Bulldozer Politics

A section of the political community claims that houses of the Muslim community are being bulldozed selectively on the orders of Chief Minister Subhendu Adhikari. The eviction of hawkers is underway in the Sealdah station premises. This time, the madrasa system, one of the main centers of education for minorities, is facing a severe blow.

Madrasas Under Threat

After the political change, the traditional madrasa education system is also under extreme threat. Khudiram Tudu, the current Minister of Minority Development, Madrasa Education and Backward Classes Welfare in West Bengal, has clearly stated that no madrasa running illegally in the state will be tolerated. Facing the media, he warned that if the madrasa authorities disobeyed the government's orders, those madrasas would be demolished using bulldozers if necessary.

However, he later clarified his statement and claimed that his words were being misinterpreted and that he had not said to demolish madrasas in droves, but rather to investigate some 'illegal' madrasas. But his introduction of this bulldozer theory has sparked intense panic and anger across the state. In BJP-ruled Uttar Pradesh and Assam, several madrasas have already been demolished using bulldozers, labeling them illegal. Informed sources fear that the BJP is preparing a blueprint to implement the same outline in Bengal.

Changing religion in the trap of love, allegations against Hindu youth Changing religion in the trap of love, allegations against Hindu youth Madrasas as the main target, Minister Khudiram Tudu said that all the information of government-approved, recognized un-aided and English medium madrasas will be verified on the spot and if any evidence of irregularities or illegal activities is found, they will be closed down directly. At the same time, strict action has been warned if any allegations of immoral activities or encroachment of government land by the madrasa management committee or authorities are made. The new government of West Bengal has already dissolved all the old boards and bodies of the Minority Development and Madrasa Education Department, which is considered to be a planned step to completely establish government control over this education system.

Minority Rights Debate

Muslim scholars, religious leaders and prominent figures of the society have reacted strongly against such controversial and indirect hateful messages of the minister. Their clear statement is that the Constitution of India has given the fundamental right to minorities to independently run their own educational institutions. The Khareji Madrasas that various mosques or religious institutions have set up on their own initiative and are providing education to children and students are not at all illegal under Indian law. In states like Assam, many Khareji Madrasas are still functioning, which are run entirely on the community's money without taking any financial assistance from the government.

The way the new administration is interfering with the independence of the Madrasas and is making a veiled threat of using bulldozers is very unfortunate. However, to control the damage of the controversy, Minister Khudiram Tudu has also given some assurances of addressing the shortcomings of the Madrasas and developing them. He said that like schools, a new managing committee will be formed soon in the Madrasas and revolutionary changes will be brought in the field of education in the interest of the students.

To address the acute permanent teacher shortage in English medium and government-approved madrasas, teachers will be recruited in madrasas at the same time as recruitment in schools through the School Service Commission or SSC. He also said that the department will also keep an eye on the facilities and quality of education in schools and madrasas. In addition, initiatives will be taken to properly utilize the madrasa hostels for the welfare of the students and, like schools, madrasas will be managed by separate departments. Eminent people say that the aggressive mentality of destroying madrasas and targeting minority institutions under the guise of all these flashy assurances of development, as revealed in the bulldozer comments of the new government minister, has put Bengal's secular culture and tradition in a deep crisis.

Protests in Kolkata

Police action in protest in Kolkata Residents of Park Circus protested demanding an end to the bulldozer campaign and hurting religious sentiments. Around 2 pm on Sunday, around 500 men and women from the area gathered at Seven Points. However, women participated more in the gathering that day. During the protest, a large police force and CRPF jawans reached the spot. The Rapid Action Force of Kolkata Police also arrived. The police first requested to call off the protest. The agitated crowd tried to block it and got agitated. After that, the police started lathi-charge. The police threw many women on the road and footpath and beat them severely. After that, they dispersed.

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