Trinamool MLA Challenges Administration Over Controversial Babri Masjid Replica Plan in West Bengal

Kolkata:

Trinamool Congress MLA Humayun Kabir has created significant controversy with his announcement to construct a Babri Masjid replica in Bengal's Murshidabad district. He has now issued a warning to the administration against any interference with his plans. Kabir declared that he would commence the mosque's foundation laying in Beldanga on December 6, which marks the anniversary of the Babri Masjid demolition.

During an interview with NDTV in Murshidabad's Beldanga on Monday, Kabir stated that if police or administration attempts to obstruct his plans, he would "block" a 30-kilometer stretch of National Highway from Rejinagar to Baharampur.

"I am giving them an open challenge. If they challenge me, I will speak against them," Kabir further remarked.

He mentioned that he has already identified the land and secured an agreement but hasn't obtained possession yet. The property is jointly owned by six individuals, with four ready to proceed with the transfer. According to Kabir, the remaining two owners—Trinamool MLAs Hasanuzzaman Sheikh and Rabiul Alam Chowdhury—are attempting to prevent the handover.

This Babri Masjid controversy emerges just before Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's scheduled visit to Malda Murshidabad and indicates internal divisions within the party ahead of the state's assembly elections. Humayun Kabir has already sharply criticized his party leader regarding what he described as Banerjee's acceptance of the Special Intensive Revision of voter lists (SIR) and the Waqf Act.

"Didi initially opposed the Waqf Act and said she would not accept the bill, wanting to fight against it in Delhi. But what happened suddenly that she has agreed? She was against SIR also, but her employees have been implementing SIR since November 4," he stated.

Banerjee is scheduled to address a rally against voter roll revision in Murshidabad—a predominantly Muslim area—on November 4. The Trinamool enjoys substantial Muslim support throughout the state.

Sources within the Trinamool party indicate that senior leadership is displeased with Kabir's actions, and disciplinary measures may be forthcoming. Officially, however, the party has distanced itself from the MLA's initiative.

On Monday, party MP Kalyan Banerjee commented, "That MLA has no value. In West Bengal, people love and trust only one person, and that is Mamata Banerjee. The party operates in her name."

The BJP has criticized Trinamool's position on the matter. BJP MLA Agnimitra Paul said, "Trinamool cannot dissociate itself from the MLA. Humayun is expressing what Mamata Banerjee has instructed him to say. Otherwise, the party would have already suspended him or taken disciplinary action."