West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee has announced an increase in the financial grant for Durga Puja committees to over ₹1 lakh, triggering sharp political backlash. At a coordination meeting in Kolkata, Banerjee’s move was slammed by the BJP as a misuse of public funds and branded a “bribe to purchase the Hindu vote.” BJP leaders, including Sukanta Majumdar, accused the state government of neglecting basic needs like school supplies while prioritising festival grants.
