If Madrasas Can Be Surveyed, Why Not Temples?' AIMIM's Waris Pathan Slams Bengal Govt Move.,

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Jun 9, 2026 - 21:28
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If Madrasas Can Be Surveyed, Why Not Temples?' AIMIM's Waris Pathan Slams Bengal Govt Move.,

Senior leader accuses BJP of spreading hatred, cites Constitution to demand equal treatment for all religious institutions.

Kolkata, June 9, 2026: AIMIM senior leader Waris Pathan has sharply criticized the West Bengal government's decision to survey unaided _khareji_ madrasas, questioning why similar scrutiny is not applied to temples.

What Pathan Said.

Equality Question: “If you can survey madrasas, then why not temples?” Pathan asked, invoking the Constitution’s guarantee of equality. He argued that singling out one community’s institutions was discriminatory.

BJP Accusation: He accused the BJP of “spreading hatred against minorities” and using administrative measures to target Muslim institutions.

 Bengal Madrasa Survey Background

Govt Stand: In August 2023, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced a survey of unaided _khareji_ madrasas by a state-level high-powered committee. The government said it would not interfere with functioning and the survey would only proceed with consent.

Stated Aim: Banerjee said the survey was to extend welfare schemes to madrasa students, not to regulate religious teaching.

Scale: West Bengal has about 6,000 madrasas, with roughly 90% being unregulated khareji madrasas that receive no government aid. 

Political Context

Earlier Concerns: The Centre has previously flagged radicalisation concerns in some madrasas in border districts, though Bengal has disputed such claims.

Wider Debate: Similar surveys have been undertaken in BJP-ruled states like Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand, sparking debates over governance versus ideology.

Opposition Pushback: Banerjee has accused the Centre of targeting Muslims through Waqf law changes and said her government would not allow interference in religious institutions. 

Pathan’s remarks add to the growing political row over state surveys of religious educational institutions, with questions of constitutional equality and selective targeting at the center.