As Bengal govt orders closure of 252 madrasas, BJP doubles down: ‘anti-national hub’

Following the establishment of a BJP government in West Bengal, the administration has initiated a comprehensive survey of all madrasas operating within the state, which has led to the closure of 252 madrasas and issuance of showcause notices to 100 others. Malda district, situated on the border with Bangladesh, has the highest number of madrasas on the closure list, with 45 institutions, followed by Uttar Dinajpur and South 24 Parganas, each with 37 and 25 madrasas respectively.

State Minority Affairs and Madrasa Education Minister Kshudiram Tudu informed media personnel about the closure of 252 madrasas and issuance of showcause notices to 100 others, clarifying that these madrasas will have to respond and face further action if their replies are deemed unsatisfactory. The survey covers 22 districts and areas in Kolkata, gathering information on their management, teachers, students, facilities, funding sources, and other relevant details.

According to Tudu, a specialized team was dispatched by the state government to validate the data collected during the inquiry. In a June order, the BJP administration mentioned the purpose of the survey as obtaining accurate district-wise data and identifying any irregularities or unlawful activities. State BJP president Samik Bhattacharya argued that this decision was overdue, noting that the Left government previously questioned the legitimacy of madrasas, but had to retract his stance under pressure.

BJP MLA and Panchayati Raj Minister Dilip Ghosh reinforced the government's stance, stating that terrorists have been found in some madrasas engaging in anti-national activities, and that madrasas should not be allowed to proliferate unchecked. However, Opposition Trinamool Congress MLA Kunal Ghosh, belonging to Mamata Banerjee's faction, cautioned against painting all madrasas with the same brush, emphasizing that madrasa education is a diverse system.