India, April 7 -- Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Tuesday accused the Trinamool Congress (TMC) government in West Bengal of diverting central funds meant for education towards party activities, claiming that the state's education system has been severely damaged.

Speaking to the media in Kolkata after offering prayers at Kalighat temple along with BJP candidate Swapan Dasgupta, Pradhan alleged that funds allocated for schemes such as mid-day meals, textbooks, and school uniforms were misused.

"The central government provided funds for mid-day meals, books and dresses, but the money was diverted towards party activities. Education in Bengal has been destroyed," he said.

Pradhan further claimed that West Bengal's rich acad...