Tension in Murshidabad as Suspended MLA Lays Mosque Foundation Stone

Tension has escalated in Murshidabad, West Bengal, following the foundation stone-laying ceremony for a mosque reminiscent of the Babri Masjid, conducted by suspended Trinamool Congress (TMC) Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) Humayun Kabir. The event occurred on December 6, 2025, coinciding with the anniversary of the Babri Masjid demolition in Ayodhya in 1992, and was marked by heightened security measures due to the region's communal sensitivities.

The ceremony took place under the watchful eyes of riot police and central security forces, who were deployed to prevent any potential unrest. Humayun Kabir claimed that the event attracted thousands of attendees, including two clerics from Saudi Arabia, with participants chanting slogans such as 'Nara-e-Takbeer' and 'Allahu Akbar'.

Local visuals depicted supporters of Kabir transporting bricks ahead of the ceremony, which took place in Beldanga, a town within the Murshidabad district, known for its significant Muslim population, estimated at 67%. To ensure order, approximately 3,000 volunteers were mobilised to manage the event and maintain traffic flow on the National Highway 12 (NH-12). Organisers arranged for seven catering services to provide shahi biryani for around 40,000 guests, with total costs for the event exceeding Rs 70 lakh.

Kabir, who was suspended from the TMC just days prior to the event, has faced criticism from various political factions, including the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The BJP accused the ruling TMC of exploiting the situation to increase political polarisation among communities, with senior BJP leader Amit Malviya asserting that the mosque project was more about political strategy than religious sentiment. Malviya remarked, "This so-called mosque project is not a religious effort but a political one, designed to inflame emotions and consolidate vote banks."

In response, the TMC distanced itself from Kabir's actions, labelling the event as politically motivated and asserting that it did not represent their values. A party spokesperson stated, "The people of Murshidabad are peace-loving and do not support his provocations."

The Calcutta High Court declined to intervene in the mosque's construction, directing the Mamata Banerjee-led state government to take all necessary measures to maintain public order. Kabir has maintained that the ceremony would proceed peacefully and that there were attempts to incite violence against the event, which he believes reflects the community's desire for a place of worship as guaranteed by the Constitution.

As the situation unfolds, local authorities continue to monitor the atmosphere closely, with precautions in place to mitigate any risk of disturbances. This incident highlights the ongoing tensions surrounding religious and political identities in West Bengal, particularly in light of the upcoming state elections in 2026.