West Bengal's first BJP government has presented its maiden budget, promising development, jobs and governance reforms. However, the biggest political controversy has erupted over a sharp reduction in funding for Minority Affairs and Madarsa Education. The allocation for the sector has been cut from ₹5,713 crore under the previous government to ₹2,165 crore in the 2026-27 budget. While the BJP describes the move as a policy correction aligned with its governance priorities, opposition parties have accused the government of targeting minority welfare. The budget has quickly become a flashpoint in Bengal's intensely polarized political landscape, with both sides framing the issue as a battle over the state's future direction.