Durga Puja Dole

The Calcutta High Court on Thursday sought to know from the West Bengal government its justification for doling out Rs 50,000 to community Durga pujas, amid the austerity measures being pursued by the state in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

West Bengal BJP president Dilip Ghosh on Wednesday accused the ruling Trinamool Congress of trying to divide the people of the state on religious lines by giving out doles during festivals to secure its vote bank.

The Calcutta High Court has put on hold West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's Durga Puja bounty plan for organizers. Ms Banerjee had planned to give Rs 10,000 to every puja in the state. The petitioner told the court how the state government can use public money for religious purposes.

The Calcutta High Court on Thursday sought to know from the West Bengal government its justification for doling out Rs 50,000 to community Durga pujas, amid the austerity measures being pursued by the state in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

West Bengal BJP president Dilip Ghosh on Wednesday accused the ruling Trinamool Congress of trying to divide the people of the state on religious lines by giving out doles during festivals to secure its vote bank.

The Calcutta High Court has put on hold West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's Durga Puja bounty plan for organizers. Ms Banerjee had planned to give Rs 10,000 to every puja in the state. The petitioner told the court how the state government can use public money for religious purposes.