The construction of a replica of the Babri Masjid has begun in West Bengal’s Murshidabad district, setting off a fresh political controversy months before the state heads into Assembly elections. The project is being spearheaded by suspended Trinamool Congress leader Humayun Kabir, whose announcement has intensified political sparring between the Trinamool Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party.
Work at the site commenced on Wednesday, with Kabir expressing confidence that the project will be completed within two years.
Speaking at the location, he said the effort is driven by faith and devotion, adding that the structure would be built with divine blessings.
"The construction of the mosque is expected to be completed within two years. By the grace of Allah and with His blessings, our Babri Masjid will be built," Kabir said at the building site.
Addressing critics and political opponents, Kabir urged them not to interfere with what he described as a matter of religious freedom. He stressed that people should be allowed to practise their faith without obstruction and insisted that his initiative is not aimed at creating conflict.
"To those who are opposing this, I would say 'step aside'. People are free to follow their own religions and build temples, churches, or whatever they wish. I won't oppose anyone in the name of Islam."
"My effort is for Islam to please Allah… it is not about imposing anything," he said.
Kabir’s move has triggered a major political row in Bengal, which is gearing up for Assembly elections expected in March or April. The controversy erupted after he announced plans to rebuild the Babri Masjid — originally a 16th-century structure in Ayodhya that was demolished by a right-wing mob in December 1992. The proposal quickly became a flashpoint, fuelling a “temple vs mosque” narrative in the state’s political discourse.
In response, the Trinamool Congress suspended Kabir, seeking to reinforce its secular credentials amid mounting criticism. The decision, however, did little to quiet the controversy. Kabir hit back at his former party and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, unveiling his own political outfit — the Janata Unnayan Party (JUP). He described the new party as a potential “game-changer” in Bengal politics and announced plans to contest 135 of the state’s 249 seats in the 2026 elections, claiming it could defeat the Trinamool.
The ruling party, however, has downplayed Kabir’s influence. Trinamool spokesperson Jayprakash Majumdar dismissed the development as a communal provocation and argued that several parties launched against Mamata Banerjee in the past have faded into irrelevance.
The BJP has also criticised the development, calling it an attempt to stir communal tensions ahead of elections. State BJP chief Samik Bhattacharya alleged that Kabir’s differences with the Trinamool may be strategic rather than genuine, claiming he remains in touch with the party and will ultimately have little electoral impact.
Meanwhile, Kabir said his JUP aims to work for the “aam aadmi,” including Muslims and other communities. The party is expected to field candidates in 135 constituencies and may explore an alliance with Asaduddin Owaisi, though Owaisi’s AIMIM has not officially confirmed any discussions so far.
