BJP Govt in West Bengal ends two-day Eid-Ud-Zoha leave, declares May 28 sole public holiday :::: Appeasement gone; BJP in !!

 BJP Govt on West Bengal ends two-day Eid-Ud-Zoha leave, declares May 28 sole public holiday  

In a fresh notification issued by the Finance Department, the state government said the holidays declared for May 26 and 27 stood cancelled after information was received that Id-Ud-Zoha would be observed on May 28 this year

Observed on the 10th day after the sighting of the moon, Eid-Ud-Zoha or Eid-ul-Adha is a major Islamic festival commonly known as Bakrid.

The new notification from the West Bengal government's finance department said, "Information has been received that Id-Ud-Zoha (Bakrid) will be observed on May 28, 2026 (Thursday)." It further said the governor "is pleased to declare May 28, 2026, (Thursday) as a public holiday under Section 25 of the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881, on account of Id-Ud-Zoha (Bakrid)." 

The order clarified that May 26 and 27 would now be treated as normal working days for all government offices and establishments covered under the notification.   

The decision comes amid the new government's broader push to tighten administrative discipline and restore what it describes as "work culture" in state government offices following the change of guard in the state.

A senior state government official said the administration wanted to prioritise public service delivery and reduce disruptions caused by prolonged holidays.

"The government's message is that official work and public services should not suffer because of an excessive holiday culture. There is a clear emphasis on productivity and accountability in offices," the official said.

Incidentally, soon after assuming office, the Suvendu Adhikari-led government had introduced stricter attendance norms for employees in state government offices. Staff members were directed to report by 10.15 am and remain in the office till at least 5.15 pm, effectively mandating a seven-hour workday.

The bureaucrat said the curtailment of the Bakrid holidays was in line with the administration's efforts to improve efficiency and ensure quicker disposal of public work.

Again, on Thursday, the Calcutta High Court reserved its verdict on multiple petitions opposing a West Bengal government order that placed restrictions on animal slaughter ahead of Eid al-Adha.

The petitioners have sought relief under the West Bengal Animal Slaughter Control Act, arguing that exemptions should be allowed to carry out religious practices associated with the festival.

The petitions contest a May 13 order issued by the West Bengal government, which requires a “fit certificate” prior to the slaughter of bulls, bullocks, cows, calves, and both male and female buffaloes. 

The order also stated that slaughter of animals was only permitted if they were above the age of 14 or those permanently incapacitated due to injury, deformity, old age or incurable disease.

“We will not waste taxpayers’ money by keeping infiltrators in detention centres. Once identified, they will be deported,” said West Bengal CM Suvendu Ashikari in Delhi.

He underlining his government’s “detect, delete, deport” policy in as many words after meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi, President Droupadi Murmu, Vice-President C.P. Radhakrishnan and several senior BJP leaders.

This was his first official visit to the national capital after taking charge. He also met Home Minister Amit Shah and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. 

The Cabinet expansion of his newly installed  ministry will also take place soon. All eyes are on the chief minister about his choice of the new Finance Minister. 

Suvendu later said Prime Minister Narendra Modi had assured him of full central support to pull Bengal out of “years of stagnation”.

In a post on X after the meeting, the chief minister described his interaction with Modi as “fruitful” and said the Prime Minister had made it clear that the development of Bengal remained a priority for the Centre. “I am incredibly thankful to him for assuring all possible help, guidance and Central support to rescue West Bengal from years of stagnation and place it firmly on the fast track of economic growth, industrial revival and youth empowerment,” Suvendu wrote.

Suvendu also said the state was ready to usher in “a new era of double-engine growth, transparent governance and holistic development” with the Centre’s support and the people’s mandate.

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