Political Row Erupts in Murshidabad Over ‘Babri Masjid’ Replica as Suspended MLA Leads Rally
A fresh political controversy unfolded in West Bengal’s Murshidabad district after suspended Trinamool Congress (TMC) MLA Humayun Kabir moved ahead with the construction of a structure described as a replica of the Babri Masjid in Beldanga.
A day after construction activity began, Kabir led a rally on Thursday from Palashi toward the proposed mosque site.
The original plan for the so-called ‘Babri Yatra’ was far more extensive. Kabir had intended to undertake a 265-kilometre journey from Palashi in Nadia district to Itahar in North Dinajpur, with a convoy of around 100 vehicles carrying supporters.
However, the larger procession was called off due to the ongoing Higher Secondary (Class 12) state board examinations. According to Kabir, local authorities in Malda had also advised postponement.
Instead, he organised a scaled-down rally covering approximately 22 kilometres—from the historic Palashi Monument to Beldanga.
The programme began with a motorcycle procession up to Rejinagar, followed by a march on foot to the mosque site. Police officials stated that the rally did not have formal permission.
Speaking to reporters, Kabir defended the mosque project, framing it as an issue of constitutional rights and religious freedom.
He argued that just as temples or religious complexes are constructed elsewhere without objection, Muslims too have the right to build places of worship.
He also emphasised personal liberty, saying that naming or religious decisions within one’s home are protected freedoms under the Constitution, and he would not be guided by political leaders from India or abroad.
Kabir also touched upon electoral concerns, referring to the upcoming publication of the final voters’ list after the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls.
He alleged that while names across communities had been removed, Muslims were being disproportionately targeted through repeated hearings and scrutiny.
He further asserted that he would oppose both the Trinamool Congress leadership and the BJP in the political arena.
The development has drawn reactions from across the political spectrum. Former West Bengal BJP president Dilip Ghosh criticised the move, stating that constructing a mosque resembling Babri Masjid would not translate into electoral gains.
He suggested that political success would depend on development work rather than symbolic gestures.
Kolkata Mayor Firhad Hakim echoed a similar view, remarking that while individuals are free to build religious structures, such initiatives should not be driven by political motives.
According to him, public support should be earned through governance and performance.
Kabir had earlier laid the foundation stone for the mosque on December 6 last year, a date historically associated with the demolition of the original Babri Masjid in Ayodhya.
As the project progresses, the episode has added another layer to West Bengal’s already charged political environment, where religion, identity, and electoral strategy continue to intersect.
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