'Anti-India Teachings': Bengal Launches Crackdown On Khariji Madrassas; BJP Leaders Back Move

Last Updated:July 12, 2026, 21:20 IST

Paul said the exercise would help determine what was being taught in these institutions and examine their curriculum.

The West Bengal government has ordered physical inspections of unaided madrassas across 12 districts as part of an exercise to review the institutions’ functioning and ensure compliance with the state’s educational framework.

According to an order issued on July 8 by the state’s Minority Affairs and Madrasa Education Department, the inspections are scheduled to be completed by July 15, TOI reported. Senior madrassa department officials and other government agencies have been assigned district-wise responsibilities.

Crackdown Ordered In 12 Districts

The districts covered under the exercise include Cooch Behar, North Dinajpur, Malda, Murshidabad, Birbhum, West Midnapore, East Midnapore, Nadia, Hooghly, Howrah, North 24 Parganas and South 24 Parganas.

The inspections are aimed at assessing student welfare, the implementation of educational schemes and the functioning of unaided institutions. The exercise will cover both recognised and unrecognised institutions, including “Khariji" madrassas, which are run by individuals, communities and private organisations without government funding.

Authorities will collect information on the institutions’ origins, funding sources, student enrolment, teaching and non-teaching staff, residential facilities and curriculum to determine whether they comply with the state’s regulatory framework.

BJP Leaders Welcome Move

The move has triggered political reactions, with BJP leaders backing the crackdown. Union Minister and Balurghat MP Sukanta Majumdar supported the government’s decision, saying that an inquiry into such institutions was necessary. He also referred to former chief minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee’s remarks, in which he had alleged that these places had become hubs of terrorism, adding that political compulsions later forced him to retract his statement.

“Whatever decision Govt has taken is right, Buddhadeb Bhattacharya has said earlier that these places became place for terrorism, then he had to track back from his statement . It’s important to have enquiry there," the BJP MP said.

‘Anti-India Teachings Are Imparted Here’: Agnimitra Paul On Crackdown

Meanwhile, State minister Agnimitra Paul alleged that “anti-India" sentiments were being taught in some unrecognised madrassas and welcomed the inspections. She said the exercise would help determine what was being taught in these institutions and examine their curriculum.

“We have observed, particularly in ‘khariji’ madrassas, that anti-Bharat and anti-India teachings are imparted. Children are allegedly brainwashed from a young age and instilled with anti-India sentiments. We have also seen links to terrorist activities. A few months ago, an alleged terrorist named Shahad Ali was arrested from there. He had voted three times and possessed three voter identity cards. We will not allow people to nurture and shelter terrorists like Shahad Ali in these ‘khariji’ madrassas…," she stated.

“Education is meant for everyone. A Hindu child may become an IAS officer, a Sikh child may become a doctor, and a Jain child may become a scientist at ISRO. Similarly, we want Muslim children to be part of the country’s and the state’s progress and development. We do not support anything that promotes anti-India sentiments. The decision taken today will help examine what is being taught in madrassas and what their syllabus contains. We welcome this move and thank the Chief Minister for it," she further said.

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Manisha Roy

Manisha Roy is a Senior Sub-Editor at News18.com's general desk. She comes with an experience of over 5 years in media industry. She covers politics and other hard news. She can be contacted at Manish...Read More

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