Yes — suspended Humayun Kabir has laid the foundation stone for a “Babri Masjid–style mosque” in Beldanga, Murshidabad on December 6, 2025 — triggering heavy security, fresh political firestorm, and communal tension across West Bengal.
Key Takeaways
- Stone laying done despite suspension. Kabir was suspended from Trinamool Congress (TMC) for his plan, but proceeded with the ceremony in Beldanga.
- Massive security deployment. Authorities deployed thousands of police personnel including central forces; site sealed off; roads under high alert to prevent unrest.
- Communal-political storm. TMC leadership, opposition parties and civil society reacted sharply — accusing Kabir of stoking communal tensions, playing into election-year politics, and undermining secular values.
- Legal-administrative spotlight. The Calcutta High Court declined to block the event, but placed responsibility on police and state government to maintain law and order.
What Happened — Fast Facts
Event Overview
- The foundation stone-laying ceremony was scheduled and executed on December 6, 2025 — coinciding with the anniversary of the original Babri Masjid demolition.
- Despite being suspended by his party, Kabir insisted on going ahead. He described the structure as a “Babri Masjid-style mosque” to be built on trust land in Beldanga block, Murshidabad.
- Kabir claims broad community support and said he expects large attendance (he previously mentioned “300,000 people” could turn up). Security forces fortified the area accordingly.
Security & Court Response
- Over 3,500 police personnel including RAF and two BSF companies, plus central CISF contingents, were deployed around the site. NH-12 and surrounding roads were kept on high alert.
- A PIL was filed seeking a court-ordered stay on the stone-laying. The Calcutta High Court refused to intervene, placing responsibility for communal harmony on state government and police.
Political Fallout & Reactions
From Suspension to Rebellion
- The TMC suspended Kabir on December 4, citing his repeated warnings and violation of party discipline. The party accused him of indulging in “communal politics” and alleged his moves were being backed by rival political forces.
- Kabir retaliated, calling the suspension a “deliberate humiliation.” He announced plans to resign and form a new political party on December 22, targeting 135 assembly seats in the upcoming West Bengal elections.
Sectional Outrage, Accusations of Vote-Bank Politics
- TMC leaders argued this move threatens communal harmony in Murshidabad — a district known for religious mix and sensitive demographics — and accused Kabir of playing vote-bank politics ahead of elections.
- Opposition and religious leaders have warned that invoking the “Babri Masjid” name anywhere outside Ayodhya is provocative and could inflame communal tensions.
Why This Matters: Wider Implications
| Dimension | Possible Consequences |
|---|---|
| Communal Harmony | A charged memorial of Babri Masjid elsewhere may reignite communal fault lines — especially in a mixed district like Murshidabad. |
| Pre-Election Polarization | New political formations or communal symbolism might reshape voter alignments ahead of 2026 West Bengal elections. |
| Precedent-Setting | If allowed to proceed without backlash, other regions may witness similar mimic-projects, risking widespread sectarian unrest. |
| Governance & Law Enforcement | Heavy deployment now may set expectations for state policing but also raises questions about proportionality and civil-rights balance. |
What to Watch Next
- Turnout & Communal Impact: Will the mosque project remain peaceful or spark protests? The live reaction of both communities is key.
- New Political Moves: Will Kabir manage to attract followers for his planned party? And will other politicians attempt similar identity-driven moves?
- Judicial or Governmental Action: Given the Calcutta High Court’s pass-on intervention, any further legal challenges or orders to restrict may come — or tensions may be left unmanaged.
- Election Fallout: How will this affect the 2026 assembly elections — not just in Murshidabad or West Bengal, but in how religious identity plays in Indian politics again.
FAQ
Q: Is the mosque officially approved or just a “foundation stone” event?
A: So far it’s only a foundation-stone laying ceremony. No official construction permit or building sanction has been publicly confirmed. The event primarily serves as symbolic and political gesture.
Q: Why did the Calcutta High Court refuse to intervene?
A: The court declined to block the ceremony, leaving maintenance of law and order to police and state government. It viewed the matter as under administrative jurisdiction rather than requiring judicial restraint.
Q: Could this trigger communal violence?
A: Yes — that’s among the main concerns. The area has mixed religious demographics. Given sensitivities around the “Babri Masjid” name, any provocative speech or group mobilization could spark unrest. Authorities have already deployed large-scale security to pre-empt that.
