West Bengal Budget Triggers Political Storm Over Massive Madarsa Funding Cut

West Bengal's first BJP government has presented its maiden budget, promising development, jobs and governance reforms. However, the biggest political controversy has erupted over a sharp reduction in funding for Minority Affairs and Madarsa Education. The allocation for the sector has been cut from ₹5,713 crore under the previous government to ₹2,165 crore in the 2026-27 budget. While the BJP describes the move as a policy correction aligned with its governance priorities, opposition parties have accused the government of targeting minority welfare. The budget has quickly become a flashpoint in Bengal's intensely polarized political landscape, with both sides framing the issue as a battle over the state's future direction.