Trinamool MLA Humayun Kabir's Babri Masjid Announcement Ignites Political Storm in West Bengal

Trinamool Congress MLA Humayun Kabir has sparked a significant political controversy with his announcement to lay the foundation stone of a 'Babri Masjid' on December 6 in Beldanga, Murshidabad district. This date holds particular significance as it marks 33 years since the demolition of the original Babri mosque in Ayodhya.

BJP spokesperson Yaser Jilani launched a strong critique against the MLA, claiming this was a deliberate attempt to provoke communal tensions for electoral advantage. "TMC leaders, particularly MLA Humayun Kabir, are recognized for promoting politics of hatred. His approach is purely for appeasement purposes. He is intentionally creating communal tensions in Bengal," Jilani stated. The BJP spokesperson further suggested this was a desperate move as "the people will reject TMC in upcoming elections, with a wave of political change gaining momentum in the region."

Kabir had previously declared, "We will lay the foundation stone of Babri Masjid on December 6 in Beldanga, Murshidabad district. The construction will take three years to complete, and various Muslim leaders will participate in the event." These comments immediately triggered intense reactions across the political and religious spectrum.

The Congress party offered more measured responses to the situation. Congress leader Sandeep Dikshit remarked, "Anyone can build a mosque, what does that have to do with Babri? If they want to build a mosque, they can proceed with construction."

Similarly, Congress MP Surendra Rajput questioned why this was becoming controversial: "If someone is building a mosque, temples, gurudwaras, or churches, what is controversial about this? Why is it being transformed into a subject of controversy? Every religion has the right to construct its own places of worship."

The All India Imam Association provided a theological perspective on the matter. Its president, Maulana Sajid Rashidi, emphasized, "Perhaps they do not understand that once a mosque is established at a location, it remains a mosque until the end of time. Even if hundreds of mosques are constructed in India bearing the name Babri Masjid, the significance of the original Babri Masjid in Ayodhya can never be diminished."