Suspended TMC MLA Humayun Kabir to lay Babri Masjid-modelled mosque in Murshidabad; BJP says 'Mamata playing with fire'

The date coincides with the anniversary of the Babri Masjid demolition in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, which took place on December 6, 1992, when Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and allied groups led a march to the disputed site.

Security has been tightened in Beldanga to prevent any flare-ups, following earlier riots this year during protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Act passed by the central government.

Local residents were seen carrying bricks to the site in preparation for the foundation-laying ceremony chanting "Allah hu Akbar".

“Everything is ready… local and state police are fully cooperating,” Kabir told ANI.

Political Reactions

The BJP hit out at the TMC, with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee being accused of “playing with fire.”

Amit Malviya, BJP IT Cell head, said, “This so-called mosque project is not a religious effort but a political one, designed to inflame emotions and consolidate vote banks. Far from serving the community, it poses a serious threat to Bengal’s stability, risking heightened tensions and even the fragmentation of the state’s social fabric. But Mamata Banerjee will not stop at anything, even if it means pushing West Bengal towards turmoil.”

Kabir, an MLA from Bharatpur, was suspended shortly before Mamata Banerjee’s rally in Baharampur on December 4. The 64-year-old walked out after state minister Firhad Hakim announced the disciplinary action.

Speaking at a Kolkata press conference, Hakim said Kabir was suspended for “not correcting his conduct” despite repeated warnings and accused him of indulging in communal politics that could benefit the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). “We won’t accept any divisive politics,” Hakim added.

Following the announcement, Kabir launched a sharp attack on Mamata Banerjee, accusing her of “fooling Muslims” and alleging she was capable of “nothing except arresting or killing me through a conspiracy.”

Referring to the recent inauguration of the Jagannath Temple in Digha, Kabir said, “The temple was built and prasads were distributed, but Muslims have been fooled.”

Kabir also announced he would launch his own political outfit on December 22, claiming it is “ready” and vowing to contest 135 of the 294 assembly seats in the 2026 West Bengal elections.

Babri Masjid–Modelled Mosque Controversy

The controversy escalated after Kabir stated that the foundation stone for a “Babri Masjid” would be laid on December 6 in Beldanga, marking the 33rd anniversary of the original mosque’s demolition. He said construction would take three years.

Kabir emphasized that Muslims “have the right to build a mosque” and noted that if legal objections arise regarding the use of the name “Babri,” he would consider alternatives. He further declared his willingness “to become a martyr” for the cause and challenged opponents to “come to Beldanga,” signaling defiance amid rising political tensions.