In a bold move stirring controversy in West Bengal’s Muslim-majority Murshidabad district, MLA Humaun Kabir has kicked off construction of a Babri Masjid replica in Berhampore’s Beldanga area. Bricks began arriving Wednesday afternoon for the ambitious project spearheaded by the Janata Unnayan Party leader, who was recently suspended from the Trinamool Congress.
Kabir’s close aide revealed the groundwork starts between noon and 1 PM today, followed by a massive rally tomorrow. Launching from Palashi in Nadia district with 100 vehicles—each carrying six participants including the driver—the convoy will rally 600 supporters total. The procession stretches an impressive 265 kilometers to Itahar in North Dinajpur, aiming to counter misinformation spread by ‘selfish elements’ about the mosque build.
Speaking exclusively to reporters, Kabir outlined the project’s scale: completion targeted within three years at a cost of Rs 55 crore. The grand entrance stands 14 meters tall and 5 meters wide, with its construction alone estimated at Rs 5 crore. The foundation stone was laid last December 6, mirroring the original Ayodhya structure demolished in 1992.
‘Those opposing should step aside,’ Kabir asserted. ‘People are free to practice their faith, build temples, churches, or whatever they wish. I’m not opposing anyone in Islam’s name—this isn’t about imposition.’
Kabir, representing Bharatpur assembly constituency, formed his Janata Unnayan Party after TMC suspension. He’s calling for an anti-BJP, anti-TMC alliance ahead of year-end state elections, though talks have stalled except with AIMIM.
This development highlights deepening political fault lines in Bengal, where religious sentiments intersect with electoral strategies. As construction ramps up, expect heightened debates on faith, freedom, and politics in the region.