Kolkata: A heated political dispute has erupted in West Bengal after Trinamool Congress MLA Humayun Kabir announced that a foundation stone for a Babri Masjid would be laid on December 6 in Murshidabad. His statement has drawn a swift and aggressive response from senior BJP leaders, who framed the announcement as an attack on Hindu identity and proof of what they describe as rising “appeasement politics” in the state.
Kabir said the ceremony would take place in Beldanga and would involve several Muslim leaders. He also stated that the project would take three years. His remarks immediately became the centre of a national debate on communal politics, identity, and the charged atmosphere around next year’s Assembly election in West Bengal.
BJP spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia called the announcement an attempt to polarise voters. He accused Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of promoting hostility toward Hindus. Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar claimed the statement was meant to intimidate Bengal’s Hindus. He said the BJP would remove infiltration from the state and form the next government. Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya echoed the same position and warned that no structure named after Babur would be allowed.
Senior BJP leader Uma Bharti issued a strong message on social media. She said any mosque named after Babur would face consequences similar to the destruction of the Babri Masjid in 1992. She urged Mamata Banerjee to act against Kabir to preserve peace in Bengal.
Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury criticised both sides for using religious symbols for electoral gain. He said political parties were shaping voter sentiment by framing religious structures as campaign tools.
The Trinamool Congress is preparing a rally in Kolkata on December 6. The event is usually organised by its minority cell, but this year the party’s student and youth wings will lead it. Mamata Banerjee and Abhishek Banerjee are expected to attend the rally.
