Mamata Banerjee hikes Durga Puja financial grant, BJP calls it vote bribe

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.