Kolkata: A political storm has erupted in election-bound West Bengal after Trinamool Congress MLA Humayun Kabir announced that he would lay the foundation stone of a mosque modelled on the Babri Masjid in Murshidabad on 6 December. The declaration has prompted the TMC to distance itself, while the BJP has accused the ruling party of attempting to polarise voters.

Posters promoting the foundation ceremony appeared across Beldanga earlier this week. Several were vandalised soon after, heightening unease in the communally sensitive district.

The event is set for 6 December, the date that marks 33 years since the demolition of the 16th-century Babri Masjid in Ayodhya. The announcement has revived political tensions in Murshidabad, which witnessed clashes in April during protests over the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025.

What did the MLA say?

Kabir remained firm in his stand while speaking to the media.

He said, “Yes, I will lay the foundation stone of a masjid modelled on the Babri Masjid on December 6. This masjid will be much bigger and inspired by the original structure.”

He added, “This is my religious right and a demand of the local people.”

He described the matter as “emotional” and insisted that the plan was a “personal resolve” unconnected to electoral strategy.

How has the Trinamool Congress responded?

The Trinamool Congress was swift to clarify that Kabir’s comments do not reflect the party’s position.

TMC Chief Whip in the West Bengal Assembly, Nirmal Ghosh, said, “The party is not in touch with Humayun Kabir. His remarks or actions have nothing to do with the party. Whatever he is saying or doing, he is doing it in his personal capacity. The party does not support those and is looking into the matter.”

A senior party functionary said disciplinary action would soon follow. Kabir, who has been show-caused several times for alleged indiscipline, has not been expelled despite ongoing internal disputes.

The MLA has recently hinted at an independent political path and has signalled interest in forming a new organisation.

What has the BJP alleged?

The BJP has accused the ruling party of creating an environment that encourages such statements.

State BJP chief Samik Bhattacharya said, “The TMC is pushing West Bengal towards chaos. Such announcements are meant only to provoke and polarise.”

What are the concerns going forward?

The Congress, which has influence in Murshidabad, has urged restraint as the situation unfolds.

The controversy has deepened concern over rising communal polarisation ahead of the assembly elections, scheduled for April–May, especially in regions with sensitive demographic compositions.

PTI inputs