Archive · 6 Aug 2025
BJP Leader Accuses Bengal of 'Pilgrimage Tax' on Hindus
The news is about a political argument in West Bengal.
A BJP leader, Sukanta Majumdar, says the state government is wrongly charging Hindu pilgrims a small fee to collect water for a religious festival.
He thinks this is unfair and shows the government is against Hindus.
The government hasn't responded, but some people say the fee is for things like cleaning and managing crowds and that people don't have to pay it.
This is happening during a time when there's a lot of debate about how much the government should be involved in religion and the rights of religious groups.
BJP leader Sukanta Majumdar accused the West Bengal government of charging a fee to Hindu pilgrims.
The fee of Rs 10 per person is for collecting Ganges water at Baidyabati's Nimai Tirtha Ghat.
Majumdar compared the fee to a 'jizya' and cited an 'anti-Hindu' mindset of the government.
Authorities say fees at ghats are for sanitation, crowd management, and are voluntary.
The incident highlights the intersection of faith and governance in West Bengal.
- Who
- Sukanta Majumdar (BJP), the West Bengal government, and Hindu pilgrims.
- What
- Accusations of an unauthorized fee levied on Hindu pilgrims by the West Bengal government.
- When
- During the Shravani Mela religious festival.
- Where
- West Bengal, specifically at Baidyabati's Nimai Tirtha Ghat and Tarakeswar.
- Why
- Majumdar claims the fee is an unfair tax reflecting an anti-Hindu mindset; officials claim it is voluntary for services.
Sukanta Majumdar (BJP) Position
West Bengal Government/Organizers Position
Nature of the Fee
Sukanta Majumdar (BJP) Position
The fee is an unauthorized tax and a form of discrimination.
West Bengal Government/Organizers Position
The fee is for services and voluntary.
- Accuser
- Sukanta Majumdar (BJP)
- Alleged Fee
- Rs 10 per person
- Location
- Baidyabati's Nimai Tirtha Ghat
- Event
- Shravani Mela
- Purpose of Fee (Claimed)
- Sanitation and crowd management