Mamata hikes purohit, muezzin perks by Rs 500

Just one hour ahead of the announcement of election schedule for West Bengal, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced Rs 500 raise in the monthly remunerations of purohits and muezzins, who perform rituals for Hindus and Muslims, respectively.

The move came a day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi attacked the Mamata-led ruling Trinamool Congress in Bengal saying her government had practised appeasement politics at the cost of Hindus and had patronised and protected infiltrators leading to demographic changes in many parts of the state.

The announcement by Mamata also coincided with a rally in Bengal by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who questioned the TMC for protecting infiltrators and said the BJP government once installed would drive out all illegals.

Mamata in her post on X said, “I am pleased to announce an increase of Rs 500 in the monthly honorariums extended to our purohits and muezzins, whose service sustains the spiritual and social life of our communities. With this revision, they will now receive Rs 2,000 per month. At the same time, all fresh applications that have been duly submitted by purohits and muezzins have also been approved by the state government. We take pride in nurturing an environment where every community and every tradition is valued and strengthened.”

She said the TMC’s endeavour remains to ensure that the custodians of rich spiritual heritage receive the recognition and support they deserve.

Can take decisions before poll code: CEC

Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar on Sunday said the Centre and the state governments were free to take policy decisions before the model code of conduct comes into force

Kumar added that it was the prerogative of the Bengal Government to take decisions before the code of conduct was announced