Suspended Trinamool Congress MLA Humayun Kabir on Saturday went ahead with plans to lay the foundation stone of what he has called a “Babri Masjid-style” mosque in Murshidabad, even as authorities placed the district under an extensive security blanket. The event was scheduled for December 6, the anniversary of the Babri Masjid demolition, a choice that has intensified political unease around the programme.
Hours before the ceremony, Kabir said preparations were underway without obstruction. “All is well. Wait until it’s 12 noon; the reading of the Quran will begin then. After that, the foundation stone will be laid,” he told reporters. “I am receiving all cooperation from the administration. Murshidabad Police and State Police are all supporting me. I thank them.”
Security around the Beldanga venue was ramped up following Friday’s Calcutta High Court order allowing the event but placing full responsibility for law and order on the state government. The area along NH-12 was turned into a high-security zone, with Rapid Action Force, district police and central forces deployed. Police officials also opened backchannel communication with Kabir’s team late Friday to coordinate arrangements.
Governor C.V. Ananda Bose appealed for calm, urging people not to fall for “provocative statements and rumours” and directing the administration to ensure “no disturbance anywhere”.
For Kabir, who has moved between the Congress, BJP and TMC and now positions himself as a rebel, the event doubles as a show of political strength. He was suspended from the TMC on Thursday for what the party termed “communal politics”. He has since announced plans to resign as MLA and launch his own outfit later this month.
