Screengrab from video | Photo Credit: Times Now

West Bengal: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday faced her first big minority challenge as imams in Kolkata came out in streets to stage their protest. The All Bengal Minority Youth Federation, a body comprising Muslim clerics and scholars from all across the state, is calling for an increase in the stipend, which is Rs 2,500 at present, of Imams and Muezzins.

Some of the Imams and scholars participating in the rally are reported to be close to Banerjee. The West Bengal CM had in 2011 courted controversy when she had declared to give the stipend to Imams. Blaming Banerjee for betraying them, the clerics are questioning the West Bengal government’s decision to pay Rs 10,000 to each 28,000 Durga pujo clubs across the state.

Accusing Banerjee of majority appeasement, a section of the Muslim community demanded that if Hindus can be given money for pujo, imams’ stipend should be increased. Reminding Banerjee of her promise she made in 2011, the Imams said the WB government should give aid for at least 10,000 Madrasas across the state. At present, the state funds are given to just over 200.

The protesters also demanded a Muslim police commissioner in Kolkata and more representation in police forces. Notably, the rally was held without permission from the police. It is interesting to note that this is the first time in the last seven years that a Muslim rally has been denied permission in West Bengal.

The community members began their rally from outside Tipu Sultan mosque in central Kolkata on the call of Muhammad Kamaruzzaman, the general secretary of the All Bengal Minorities Youth Federation.