Being expelled from the Trinamool Congress (TMC) did not deter MLA Humayun Kabir from cutting the ceremonial ribbon while laying the foundation stone of a mosque modelled on the Babri Masjid in Beldanga in Murshidabad district of West Bengal. On the 33rd anniversary of the Babri Masjid demolition, amidst tight security, the elaborate programme started with a long Quran recital amidst huge crowds coming from various districts carrying bricks and cement, symbolic of their support to build the controversial mosque. “In 2024 I had said in Murshidabad’s Beldanga I will lay the foundation stone for a new Babri Masjid,” said Humayun Kabir.
“In January 2024, Prime Minister Modi inaugurated a big temple in place of Ram’s birthplace. We did not oppose that, the Muslim community did not oppose that,” said the expelled TMC leader.
“Babri Masjid was demolished. The Supreme Court did not say Babri Masjid cannot be built anywhere or that the Uttar Pradesh government has to give 5 acres of land for Babri Masjid. The people of India know the atrocities being committed on Muslims by the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister. The land given for Babri Masjid is 14 km away where only 15% Muslims reside,” added Kabir, who also pointed out that only 5% in the minority community are socio-economically and educationally strong and 10% are from the labour class, hence they cannot build the Babri Masjid.
Kabir says hence he felt out of the Muslim population in West Bengal, there is a sizeable number in Murshidabad where the Babri Masjid should be built.
“I am once again reiterating, Babri Masjid will be a reality, no force can stop this,” added Kabir.
He also hit out at West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee who is also the Health Minister of the state. “Our Chief Minister is sitting with portfolios of various ministries. Ask the media to go to Behrampore Medical College; there are three patients on one bed. Patients who don’t get beds are sleeping on the floor. Those who are going to get treated are coming back with more problems. And this leadership is preventing me from building the Babri Masjid. The people of Bengal will give the answer.”
The TMC, which distanced itself from the event after expelling Kabir, instead observed ‘Samhiti Diwas’ (Unity Day) to symbolise communal harmony. The BJP on the other hand has hit out at Kabir.
People were seen coming from various other districts too, including Malda and Uttar Dinajpur, apart from various parts of Murshidabad.
Over 3,500 police personnel, including a Rapid Action Force (RAF) contingent and Central forces, were present around the area, including at NH12, to prevent traffic from being majorly affected. A division bench of the Calcutta High Court on Friday turned down a Public Interest Litigation (PIL), while mentioning that the responsibility to maintain law and order during the foundation stone-laying ceremony is the responsibility of the state government.
