Trinamool MLA suspended for 'Babri mosque' remarks lays foundation stone
What's the story
Suspended Trinamool Congress (TMC) MLA Humayun Kabir laid the foundation stone of a mosque in Rejinagar, Murshidabad district, West Bengal, on Saturday. The event, which coincided or was timed with the anniversary of the Babri Masjid demolition on December 6, 1992, is modeled after Ayodhya's Babri Masjid. The event was held under tight security with state police and central forces cordoning off areas into controlled zones, PTI reported.
Political fallout
Kabir defends mosque construction, BJP accuses TMC of polarizing
Kabir defended the mosque's construction as a constitutional right and claimed it was an emotional balm for Muslims. "There is nothing unconstitutional about this. Building a place of worship is a constitutional right. Babri Masjid will be built," Kabir said, claiming four lakh people attended the event. Referring to the Babri Masjid demolition in 1992, Kabir said, "Thirty-three years ago, a deep wound was inflicted on the hearts of Muslims. Today, we are applying a small balm to that wound."
Suspension
'So-called mosque project is not a religious effort'
The TMC suspended Kabir last week after he proposed to build the mosque in Murshidabad. Unconvinced with the action, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) accused the TMC of secretly fueling polarization while publicly disassociating from Kabir. Senior BJP leader Amit Malviya alleged that Kabir's supporters were seen carrying bricks for what he termed a political project posing a threat to West Bengal's stability. "This so-called mosque project is not a religious effort but a political one," he said.
Criticism and defense
Opposition leader criticizes mosque's name, TMC dismisses accusations
Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari slammed naming the mosque after an "invader," calling Babur a symbol of tyranny. He was speaking during a 'Shourya Yatra' in north Kolkata to mark Babri Masjid's demolition. The TMC dismissed these allegations, saying Kabir was working as an agent for the BJP to incite violence. A senior TMC leader said Murshidabad's people are peace-loving and don't support his provocations.
Religious exploitation
Congress accuses TMC, BJP of exploiting religious sentiments
The Congress, meanwhile, has accused both the TMC and BJP of playing with religious sentiments in a communally sensitive district. Hundreds of Congress workers held a 'Sadbhawna Rally' from a mosque to a temple in Kolkata, asking people to reject communal politics. State Congress chief Subhankar Sarkar said, "Temples and mosques will not give people jobs or food," calling for an end to divisive politics.
Political maneuvering
Kabir hints at launching new party amid political turmoil
Kabir, a former Congress leader who briefly joined the BJP before returning to TMC, hinted at forming a new party later this month. His suspension came after several clashes with leadership. The event also coincided with another major religious gathering in Kolkata where organizers expect around five lakh devotees for a mass Bhagavad Gita recitation at Brigade Parade Grounds.