BJP slams Mamata Banerjee over Rs 1.1 lakh grant for Durga Pujas, alleges 'politics of religion'

Building temples and offering grants for religious festivals should not be the primary objective of a government, says the BJP leader, slamming Banerjee.

The BJP on Saturday criticised West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, accusing her of indulging in politics of religion after she announced a Rs 1.1 lakh government grant for community Durga Pujas.

BJP state general secretary Agnimitra Paul alleged that the Trinamool Congress (TMC) government was ignoring development issues while distributing public funds as doles.

Paul, the MLA from Asansol South, said building temples and offering grants for religious festivals should not be the primary objective of a government.

"This shows the government is shifting its priorities. Instead of building roads and creating employment opportunities, Mamata Banerjee is busy doing politics of religion," she told reporters.

Paul further said that members of other communities might now demand that the state build their places of worship, citing the construction of a Jagannath temple in Digha as an example.

A fashion designer-turned-politician, Paul said the BJP supports the development of the education sector, creation of employment opportunities, and the upliftment of every Indian citizen, regardless of their religion.