In West Bengal, newly appointed Minority Affairs and Madrasa Education Minister Khudiram Tudu warned that any illegally operating madrasas in the state could be demolished with bulldozers if they defy government orders. His remarks came amid a broader campaign of evictions and demolitions following the change of government, which critics allege is targeting Muslim communities. Although Tudu later clarified that his comments were misinterpreted and referred only to investigations into illegal institutions, his statement triggered widespread fear and anger.

Muslim scholars, religious leaders, and community figures strongly condemned the minister’s remarks, asserting that India’s constitution guarantees minorities the right to manage their own educational institutions. They argued that many independent madrasas operate lawfully without government funding. Meanwhile, the minister promised reforms, including new managing committees and teacher recruitment through the School Service Commission, to improve madrasa education.

On Sunday, around 500 residents of Kolkata’s Park Circus area, mostly women, protested against the bulldozer threat and alleged religious targeting. Police and paramilitary forces intervened, leading to clashes and reports of police assault on demonstrators.