The West Bengal government has issued an order to close 252 madrasa institutions across the state, a move that has been framed as part of an effort to eliminate establishments that authorities believe are fostering extremist sentiments. The directive was announced by the state’s education and religious affairs departments, which cited reports of ideological infiltration as the main reason for the closures.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has responded by condemning the government’s approach, labeling the madrasas an ‘anti‑national hub’. Party leaders argue that the shutdown is a politically motivated attack on minority educational institutions and a violation of secular principles. The BJP’s remarks have added to the growing debate over the role of religious schools in West Bengal’s education system.
