The announcement was made by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee last month.
The Kolkata High Court on Friday stayed the government's decision on announcing a grant of Rs 10,000 each to 28,000 Durga Puja committees across the state for community development programmes.
The announcement was made by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee last month.
Banerjee soon drew flak from Muslim groups who accused her of 'minority appeasement'.
Earlier on Wednesday, thousands of Muslims under the banner of Bengal Muslim Federation marched on the streets of Kolkata, led by Imams, clerics and other religious leaders and placed three demands - Imam stipend be increased, the inclusion of more Muslim men in the police establishment and aid for Madrasas in the state.
“There is no development, empowerment of the community. We have been used as vote bank but nothing was done towards our community. We do not have any problems if the Mamata government gives money to puja committees. But, at the same time, something for the community should also be done. Our demands are - an increase of stipend of Imams, the inclusion of more Muslim men in police and aid to Madrasas", said the protesters.
Earlier in 2011, Banerjee courted a major controversy when she had declared to give the stipend to Imams. Reminding Banerjee of her promise she made in 2011, the Imams said the government should give aid for at least 10,000 Madrasas across the state. At present, the state funds are given to just over 200.
On the other hand, opposition parties in Bengal claimed that the Muslims groups have risen against the ruling establishment after Banerjee engaged in Hindu appeasement. Bengal BJP President Dilip Ghosh said, “Muslims have risen against Mamata Banerjee now. After the Muslim appeasement, she is now engaging in Hindu appeasement. But, I feel neither these puja committees should be given this 10,000 nor these Imams should be given the stipend. I am against both.”
