Foundation Laid for Mosque in Murshidabad Amid Political Tensions

In a politically charged atmosphere, suspended MLA Humayun Kabir laid the foundation for a mosque in Murshidabad, designed to resemble the Babri Masjid. The event, held on December 6, the anniversary of the Babri Masjid's demolition, drew significant attention and heavy security. Kabir emphasized the constitutional right to build places of worship, while the BJP responded with a ceremony for a Ram temple nearby. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee called for unity in Bengal, highlighting the importance of communal harmony. This event is set against the backdrop of upcoming assembly elections, intensifying the political landscape in West Bengal.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 7, 2025, 12:23 IST

New Mosque Foundation Laid by Suspended MLA

On Saturday, suspended Trinamool Congress MLA Humayun Kabir inaugurated the foundation of a new mosque in the Rejinagar area of Murshidabad district. Reports indicate that the mosque's design will resemble the Babri Masjid in Ayodhya. The event was heavily secured, occurring at a time when West Bengal's political climate is already charged ahead of the upcoming assembly elections next year.

Significance of December 6

The foundation-laying ceremony was intentionally scheduled for December 6, the anniversary of the Babri Masjid's demolition in 1992. The state police, along with the RAF and central security forces, transformed Rejinagar and nearby Beldanga into a controlled zone, ensuring tight security that prevented any disturbances.

Statements from MLA Kabir

Speaking from a large platform about a kilometer away from the proposed mosque site, Kabir, accompanied by several clerics, cut a ribbon as thousands of supporters raised symbolic bricks and chanted 'Nara-e-Takbeer, Allahu Akbar.' He asserted that constructing a place of worship is a constitutional right and emphasized that there is nothing unconstitutional about it. Kabir claimed that the event attracted around four hundred thousand attendees.

Emotional Context of the Project

Kabir framed the mosque project as a form of emotional restitution, referencing the 1992 demolition as a deep wound inflicted on the hearts of Muslims. He stated, 'Thirty-three years ago, a profound injury was inflicted on the hearts of Muslims. Today, we are applying a bit of balm to that wound.' He also mentioned receiving threats following the mosque's announcement and questioned whether a mosque could not be built for the Muslim population of the country and state. Saudi clerics were present on stage, with verses from the Quran being recited.

BJP's Response

Meanwhile, not far from the mosque foundation event, the BJP held a ceremony featuring religious symbols. Party leader Sakharav Sarkar laid the foundation stone for a Ram temple in Manindra Nagar, Baharampur. He used the occasion to criticize the Chief Minister, alleging that 'this Babri Masjid project is not just Humayun Kabir's; the state administration and TMC are also involved.'

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's Message of Unity

Earlier in the day, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee posted on social media, stating, 'The soil of Bengal is the soil of unity, represented by Rabindranath, Nazrul, Ramakrishna, and Vivekananda. This land has never bowed to divisive politics, nor will it ever.' She emphasized that faith is personal, but festivals belong to everyone, reiterating her commitment to fighting against communal forces.