The newly elected Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in West Bengal has officially reduced the public holiday for Eid-ul-Zuha (Bakrid) from two days to one, now designated for May 28, 2026. This change, communicated through a notification from the state Finance Department, marks a significant departure from the previous Trinamool Congress (TMC) administration's policy, which included holidays on May 26 and 27. The BJP's decision is seen as an ideological shift aimed at aligning the state's practices with the central government's single-day holiday model, emphasizing productivity in public services. Critics of the former regime had often labeled the two-day holiday as an act of political appeasement towards the state's minority population, suggesting it hampered administrative efficiency. Additionally, the Calcutta High Court has reinforced regulations under the West Bengal Animal Slaughter Control Act, which imposes strict controls on cattle slaughter during the festival. This legal ruling complements the government's operational changes, as authorities prepare to enforce the new holiday schedule with increased police presence to ensure compliance.