Kolkata, May 14 -- A fresh political controversy has erupted in West Bengal after newly appointed Minister of Minority Affairs and Madrasa Education Kshudiram Tudu warned of strict action against allegedly illegal madrasas operating in the state.
Soon after assuming charge of the department, Tudu stated that "no illegal activities will be allowed in the name of education" and asserted that any Madrasa found functioning without legal authorisation would be identified and necessary action would be taken.
The remarks quickly triggered sharp reactions from the opposition, with several leaders accusing the government of selectively targeting minority educational institutions and attempting to communalise the education discourse.
Indian Secular Front leader Nawsad Siddique strongly criticised the minister's statement, saying: "This comment reflects their derogatory mindset. They are only after madrasas. Kshudiram Tudu should first learn about madrasas, their academic structure, and what is actually taught there before making such statements."
Siddique further pointed out that independent India's first Education Minister, Abul Kalam Azad, also received madrasa education, arguing that attempts to stigmatise such institutions reflect a lack of understanding of their historical and academic contribution.
Leaders from other opposition parties also came out against the minister's remarks, stating that educational institutions should not be viewed through a communal lens.
They alleged that instead of focusing on broader educational reforms, the government appeared to be singling out institutions associated with a particular community. Mpost
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.