Controversial Foundation Stone Laid for 'Babri Masjid' in West Bengal Amid Tensions
Political Tensions Rise in Murshidabad
SHIMLA: On Saturday, December 6, 2025, suspended Trinamool Congress MLA Humayun Kabir proceeded with his contentious initiative to lay the foundation stone for a structure he has named the 'Babri Masjid' in Beldanga, Murshidabad, coinciding with the anniversary of the original Babri mosque's demolition in Ayodhya. This decision has heightened political tensions in the area, prompting a significant security presence.
Kabir's Defiance and Community Mobilization
Kabir arrived in Beldanga early, asserting that no authority could prevent him from conducting the ceremony. 'I will lay the foundation stone by 2 pm. We will adhere to the high court's directives, and no force can stop this event,' he stated to the media. He accused others of attempting to incite violence to disrupt the ceremony but expressed confidence that 'lakhs from South Bengal' would thwart such efforts.
As the day progressed, crowds from surrounding areas gathered at Chetiani Moradighi, bringing bricks reminiscent of the scenes in Ayodhya when devotees contributed bricks for the Ram temple's construction.
Before heading to the site, Kabir urged Muslim voters to unite, emphasizing, 'There are 2.82 crore Muslim voters in Bengal. Minorities hold a crucial role in 90 constituencies. We must ensure that minority representation prevails in every such seat.'
He also announced that the planned complex would encompass not just a mosque but also a hospital, an educational institution, and a guest house accessible to all communities.
High Court's Decision and Security Measures
The Calcutta High Court, on Friday, declined to halt the event despite a petition seeking a ban. The acting Chief Justice's bench assigned the responsibility of maintaining order to the West Bengal government. In response, 19 companies of central forces have been deployed in the area.
Kabir welcomed the court's ruling, calling it a 'strong response' to the petitioners. 'This is my constitutional right. I appreciate the judge's decision. Those who approached the court have received their answer,' he remarked.
Following a late-night meeting with police officials, security was intensified around the event site. Central forces conducted overnight route marches, with the deployment including approximately 250 BSF personnel, 100 constables, and several ACP-level officers. District SP Kumar Sunny Raj assured that all necessary measures were in place to maintain peace.
Political Fallout and Future Plans
Kabir was suspended from the TMC on December 4, shortly after announcing his foundation-laying plan. A senior TMC leader criticized his actions as 'communal politics' and 'gross indiscipline.' In response, Kabir accused the party of humiliating him and announced his intention to resign as MLA and establish a new political party on December 22, claiming his new outfit would contest 135 seats in the upcoming 2026 Assembly elections.
On Thursday, he launched a sharp critique against Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, predicting she would 'become a former chief minister' after the 2026 elections. Kabir has a history of party-switching, having previously been affiliated with the Congress and the BJP before joining the TMC.
State minister Siddiqullah Chowdhury held a late-night press conference urging clerics and community members to resist 'misleading rhetoric.' Although he did not mention Kabir by name, political analysts suggested that the minister was sent to persuade the rebel MLA to reconsider his plans or ease tensions.
Kabir's choice of December 6 is notably symbolic, marking the anniversary of the 1992 demolition of the Babri Masjid, a pivotal date in India's communal history. This backdrop has led to widespread criticism of his foundation ceremony and raised concerns regarding potential law-and-order issues.