Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee led Trinamool Congress (TMC) is highly likely to provide pension to the Hindu priests in the state.
Time and again, the priests have demanded monthly pension. Sources close to the party have revealed that the party will now work to garner Hindu votes especially after analysis after the Lok Sabha elections of 2019. Bharatiya Janata Party won 18 seats in the Lok Sabha elections giving a fierce competition to TMC.
TMC minister Rajib Banerjee was seen in full swing on Friday. In a meeting with the priests of the Sanatan Brahmin Trust (SBT), Banerjee said, “Do not get indulge yourself in divisional politics but focus on making your organisation strong.” “I assure you that I will request Mamata didi to provide monthly pensions to all the priests,” added Banerjee. He also said that he will see to it that the priests should get homes too.
PRIESTS’ DEMANDS |
| Demands by trust include compulsory Sanskrit in schools, housing scheme and special school for the children of priests. |
The trust has voiced their demands several times in the past too. “We had gone to CM in the past. We are looking forward to her decision, this government should give what is due to us,” said Sridhar, head priest of SBT. In addition to the monthly pensions, the trust has other demands like making Sanskrit compulsory in schools from the fifth standard, priests should come in the ambit of the health scheme of the state, a housing scheme and special school for the children of priests.
Meanwhile, BJP criticised the move and blamed the government of playing appeasement politics. BJP state president Dilip Ghosh said, “They did not get Hindu votes so now they are trying to work on it but I am sure the move won’t be successful.”
Zee Media Newsroom