Tension escalated in Murshidabad, one of Bengal’s most communally sensitive districts, after suspended Trinamool Congress MLA Humayun Kabir laid the foundation stone of a Babri Masjid-style mosque on Saturday. The event was deliberately scheduled on the anniversary of the Babri Masjid demolition—December 6, 1992—triggering tight security arrangements across the region.
Foundation Ceremony Held Under Heavy Security
The ceremony began with a Quran recitation, followed by the foundation-laying, which Kabir claimed was attended by thousands, including two clerics from Saudi Arabia. Supporters raised slogans such as “Nara-e-Takbeer” and “Allahu Akbar” during the event.
The venue in Beldanga turned into a high-security zone with riot police and central forces deployed to prevent any communal flare-up. Visuals showed supporters carrying bricks on their heads as part of the procession.
Massive Arrangements: 60,000 People Fed
Organisers deployed 3,000 volunteers to keep NH-12 clear and running. Catering teams prepared shahi biryani for nearly 40,000 guests and 20,000 local residents. The food expenses alone reportedly touched ₹30 lakh, with the total event budget exceeding ₹70 lakh, according to Kabir’s aides.
Political Firestorm Over Mosque Project
Kabir’s move has triggered intense political reactions. Suspended from the TMC over the project, the MLA claimed that conspiracies planned to disrupt the event, but he also acknowledged cooperation from police and local administration.
Opposition BJP leaders strongly criticised the event, accusing the TMC government of encouraging communal polarisation.
Amit Malviya of BJP called the mosque project a political strategy “designed to provoke emotions and consolidate vote banks.”
Former state BJP president Dilip Ghosh said the ruling party was trying to inflame tensions ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections.
TMC Pushes Back, Calls Kabir a BJP Puppet
The Trinamool Congress distanced itself from the event and announced ‘Samhati Diwas’ to promote communal harmony. TMC leaders countered BJP’s accusations, alleging that Kabir himself was acting at the behest of the saffron party to instigate unrest.
Meanwhile, the Calcutta High Court refused to block the construction but instructed the state government to strictly maintain law and order.