The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led West Bengal government has decided to discontinue state-funded allowance schemes for both imams (Muslim priests) and purohits (Hindu priests), effective June 2025. The decision, taken at the new government's second Cabinet meeting, ends a stipend structure that had been in place under the previous administration of former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

Key Developments

Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has maintained that he governs for all of West Bengal, not for any particular community or religion. The Cabinet's move to scrap both the imam and purohit allowances simultaneously has been framed by the ruling party as a step toward secular governance — treating all religious communities equally by extending benefits to none through the state exchequer.

What the Congress Said

Congress MLA Aradhana Misra-Mona accused the BJP of reversing positions taken during the election campaign solely for political gain. 'The issue is that making statements only for political gain during elections, and then changing those statements or actions after elections, is a clear example of political ambition,' she said. Notably, Misra-Mona also acknowledged the positive aspect of Adhikari's stated commitment to govern for all communities, calling that stance 'a good thing.'

What the BJP Said

BJP leader T.R. Srinivas defended the Cabinet decision as 'a very positive development' under Chief Minister Adhikari. He cited figures from the previous government's interim budget, claiming that the Banerjee administration allocated just ₹155 crore for science and technology while directing ₹5,700 crore to the Minority Affairs and Madrasa Education Department. 'We are now doubting what she wanted to do,' Srinivas said, adding that the new government believes in 'India first, Nation first.'

Community Leaders Respond

District Secretary of Jamiat Ulema in Kolkata, Mohammad Ashraf Ali Qasmi, offered a measured response. He noted that the previous government had allocated allowances to religious leaders in recognition of their community services, but clarified that the discontinuation would not materially affect imams or purohits since both groups draw primary salaries from their respective mosques and temples. 'Both religious leaders get salaries from the mosques and temples respectively,' Qasmi said. He added that he supports the decision 'if it has been taken in order to not create biases amid religions,' and stressed that it is the government's duty to work for all citizens across healthcare, education, and other public services — irrespective of religion.

Broader Context

The stipend schemes for imams and purohits were introduced during the Trinamool Congress (TMC) government's tenure and had long drawn criticism from opposition parties who argued they amounted to state patronage of religious institutions. The BJP's decision to scrap both simultaneously attempts to neutralise charges of religious favouritism, though critics from the Congress argue the move is more about political optics than principled governance. This comes amid a broader national debate about the appropriate role of state funding in religious affairs.

How the new West Bengal government manages the balance between community outreach and secular governance is likely to remain a defining political test in the months ahead.