West Bengal BJP president alleges conversions at missionary schools; draws flak

Earlier in the day, CM Suvendu Adhikari accused the previous Trinamool Congress government of considering only Muslims as a minority community, asserting that Sikhs, Buddhists and Jains also qualify as religious minorities. | Photo Credit: ANI West Bengal Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) chief Samik Bhattacharya on Sunday (November 15, 2026) warned Christian missionary schools in the State over alleged religious conversions taking place at these institutions.“If in Christian missionary schools there are anti-India activities on the grounds of religion and colour, we will not allow such schools to continue. In one school, an authority has kept the flag of Pakistan on the table... Another reputed school has asked one of its teachers not to attend the school wearing saffron saris,” Mr. Bhattacharya claimed at an event.‘Name the institutions’This is the first time a senior State BJP leader has made remarks about the community, even as Christian groups have protested against attacks on churches. The Bangiya Christiya Pariseba (BCP), an umbrella forum of Christian organisations, urged Mr. Bhattacharya to publicly name the schools.“If anyone has indeed engaged in such conduct, it is highly condemnable. However, making sweeping generalisations about Christian missionary schools in public without naming the institutions involved is irresponsible, condemnable and dangerous,” said BCP founding secretary Herod Mullick.Earlier in the day, CM Suvendu Adhikari accused the previous Trinamool Congress government of considering only Muslims as a minority community, asserting that Sikhs, Buddhists and Jains also qualify as religious minorities. Published - November 16, 2026 04:00 am IST