Bengal to get a Babri Masjid? TMC MLA Humayun Kabirs claim sparks row, BJP launches attack

New Delhi: A fresh controversy has erupted in West Bengal's Murshidabad district after posters announcing the construction of a 'Babri Masjid' surfaced in the region.

The development comes after Trinamool Congress (TMC) MLA Humayun Kabir, who has hit the headlines in recent times for all the wrong reasons, announced that a foundation stone for the 'Babri Masjid' would be laid on December 6 in Beldanga.

As per his reported claims, the ceremony would be attended by several Muslim leaders, and it would take three years to complete the structure. Kabir said, "We will lay the foundation stone of Babri Masjid on 6th December in Beldanga, Murshidabad district."

The issue has triggered massive controversy in West Bengal, especially in the months leading up to the scheduled Assembly elections in 2026. The BJP has already latched onto the issue with state secretary Priyanka Tibrewal saying, "TMC’s secularism is religion-specific. Who will they invite to this Babri Masjid? This is nothing but appeasement." BJP leader Rahul Sinha has slammed the move, saying, "Anyone can build a mosque at a proper place. But politicising it insults the faith."

Meanwhile, Congress, which has a stronghold in Murshidabad, has maintained a distance from the controversy. Uttar Pradesh Congress president Ajay Kumar Lallu has said that the party was focused on issues like employment, education, and welfare for the elections. Notably, Kabir made statements on similar lines in 2024 as well.