TMC suspends MLA for 'will build Babri Masjid' remark
What's the story
The Trinamool Congress (TMC) has suspended its MLA Humayun Kabir after he proposed to build a mosque in Murshidabad, modeled on the Babri Masjid. The decision was announced by Firhad Hakim, the Mayor of Kolkata and a senior TMC leader. Hakim said that Kabir's comments were against the party's secular ideology. "We noticed that one of our MLAs from Murshidabad suddenly declared that he would build the Babri masjid. Why suddenly Babri masjid? We already warned him," the mayor said.
Political fallout
Kabir announces plans to form new political party
After his suspension, Kabir announced plans to form a new political party on December 22. He said he would resign from the TMC and claimed that he was suspended without prior notice. "I came to know about the suspension from the media," he said, adding that he would fight against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and TMC.
Security concerns
Bengal Governor questions state government over Kabir's remarks
Earlier, Bengal Governor Ananda Bose had also questioned the state government on why Kabir hasn't been arrested if his statements are creating a law-and-order problem. He said, "The reports I have received from the field...indicate that someone is deliberately trying to turn Murshidabad into a hub of scandal." The district administration is on high alert in Murshidabad, where Kabir has permission for an event on December 6.
Political criticism
BJP criticizes Kabir's proposal, TMC leader calls it 'drama'
BJP spokesperson Pratul Shah Deo criticized Kabir's proposal, saying it was aimed at creating communal tension. He challenged anyone to build a Babri Masjid-like structure in West Bengal. A district leader of TMC called Kabir's actions "entire drama" and said they were pressure tactics for an election ticket from Murshidabad's Rejinagar seat. NDTV, citing sources, also reported that TMC chief Mamata Banerjee was "hugely annoyed" with Kabir's remarks.