Political Turmoil in West Bengal: MLA Suspended After Mosque Controversy
Political Fallout Over Mosque Announcement
Political Storm Erupts Following Controversial Statement
NEW DELHI:
The Trinamool Congress (TMC) took swift action on Thursday by suspending its MLA from Bharatpur, Humayun Kabir, shortly after he stirred controversy by announcing plans to construct a 'Babri Masjid' in Beldanga, Murshidabad. This declaration coincides with December 6, a date marked by the demolition of the historic mosque in Ayodhya.
Kabir, who has a history of making provocative statements and challenging party leadership, insisted that the foundation-laying ceremony would proceed despite internal dissent within the TMC. His announcement ignited immediate backlash, prompting the party's leadership to act quickly to distance themselves from his remarks.
TMC's Response to Kabir's Actions
TMC Labels Actions as 'Gross Indiscipline'
A senior member of the TMC criticized Kabir for crossing a significant line, especially at a time when the government is focused on maintaining communal harmony in West Bengal.
“Kabir has engaged in communal politics, which is fundamentally opposed to the values of the Trinamool Congress. His actions have breached party discipline, and he will no longer be affiliated with the TMC,” the leader stated.
The suspension was announced while Kabir was in Baharampur, where Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee was set to hold a rally, signaling an effort to publicly isolate him.
Kabir's Reaction and Future Plans
Kabir Claims Humiliation and Plans to Form New Party
In response to his suspension, Kabir described the action as a “deliberate humiliation” aimed at silencing him. He announced his intention to resign as an MLA and to establish a new political party on December 22 in Murshidabad, with plans to contest 135 seats in the upcoming Assembly elections.
Kabir vowed to reveal the TMC's alleged hypocrisy regarding secularism, accusing the ruling party of misleading minorities while secretly collaborating with the BJP and RSS. He affirmed that the foundation-laying ceremony for the mosque would proceed regardless of any opposition.
“If the authorities attempt to prevent me, I will stage a protest and accept arrest. I trust the judiciary completely,” he declared, anticipating that “lakhs” would participate in the event, even if it meant obstructing NH-12.
Having switched parties multiple times, Kabir previously belonged to the Congress and BJP before joining the TMC. The BJP has capitalized on this controversy, with state president Samik Bhattacharya labeling the suspension a “drama” and accusing the TMC of wanting to impose the rule of Babur in Bengal.
Historical Context of December 6
Significance of December 6 in Indian Politics
Kabir's choice of December 6 is fraught with historical significance. On this date in 1992, the Babri Masjid, a mosque from the 16th century in Ayodhya, was demolished by activists from right-wing groups, leading to some of the most severe communal riots in independent India.
The ensuing legal battles culminated in a pivotal Supreme Court ruling in 2019, which awarded the disputed site to a trust for the construction of a Ram temple while designating an alternative location for a mosque.
Given this context, Kabir's plan to hold a symbolic ceremony for the 'Babri Masjid' on this date, particularly in a politically charged atmosphere, has been perceived as provocative and potentially incendiary.