TMC MLA’s ‘Babri Masjid’ Announcement Sparks Row Ahead of Polls

GG News Bureau
Murshidabad, 22nd Nov: Amid heated political campaigning ahead of the West Bengal Vidhan Sabha election, a fresh controversy has erupted after Trinamool Congress MLA Humayun Kabir announced that the foundation stone of a mosque named ‘Babri’ will be laid in Beldanga town of Murshidabad district on December 6 — the date associated with the 1992 demolition of the Babri Masjid in Ayodhya.

The announcement has generated intense political and communal debate in the state, with critics calling the timing and naming of the mosque “deliberately provocative” in a region already prone to religious tensions.

Kabir, speaking to IANS, revealed that the mosque project will take three years to complete, adding:

“Last year, on December 12, I made this promise here. Around two lakh people are expected to attend the ceremony, with 400 prominent personalities present on the stage.”

Kolkata, West Bengal: TMC MLA Humayun Kabir announced that the foundation stone of a mosque named Babri will be laid on December 6 in Beldanga, Murshidabad district.

He said, "The mosque will take three years to complete. Last year, on December 12, I made this promise here.… pic.twitter.com/uJQf1BYTUI

— IANS (@ians_india) November 21, 2025

The Beldanga region of Murshidabad is Muslim-majority, and political analysts believe this announcement will significantly influence religious mobilisation in the run-up to the elections. The MLA had previously attracted criticism for making threatening remarks toward Hindus, drawing condemnation from opposition parties.

The choice of the name “Babri” — and the decision to lay the foundation on December 6 — has already led to accusations of polarisation politics. Opposition leaders allege the move is aimed at consolidating minority votes by invoking religious sentiment, while critics warn that the development may escalate communal sensitivities in Bengal.

Local Hindu residents have expressed concern, recalling previous clashes. In November last year, reports — including visuals widely circulated on social media — documented how a Muslim mob attacked Hindu homes after allegations of ‘blasphemy’ surfaced in the area. With memories of the incident still raw, some fear the latest announcement may stoke further unrest.

However, supporters of Kabir argue that the mosque project is a fulfilment of a democratic promise, unrelated to communal politics. “If a temple can be built in Ayodhya, why can’t a mosque be built here?” a local TMC worker said on condition of anonymity.

So far, the state government has not issued an official statement on the development, though security agencies are reportedly monitoring the situation, anticipating large crowds on December 6, when an estimated two lakh people are expected to attend the event.

As Bengal inches closer to election season, the issue is poised to become a flashpoint, potentially shaping both rhetoric and voting patterns. What remains to be seen is whether political leadership across parties will contain tensions or escalate them for electoral gains.

For now, Murshidabad — and Bengal — hold their breath.