Babri Masjid-style mosque foundation laid in Murshidabad under heavy security, triggering political and communal uproar ahead of Bengal polls.

In a dramatic development on December 6, 2025, Saturday in Beldanga, Murshidabad district (West Bengal), suspended TMC MLA Humayun Kabir laid the foundation stone for a proposed mosque designed to resemble Babri Masjid. The ceremony, held under heavy security, coincides with the anniversary of the 1992 Ayodhya demolition, intensifying communal and political debate.

Ceremony Draws Large Crowd, Sparks Controversy

Thousands gathered at the site from early morning — some arriving with bricks atop their heads, others in tractor trolleys or rickshaw vans. Security was visibly tight, yet the event unfolded with slogans from the stage, resembling a political rally more than a purely religious ceremony.

Though the move came after Kabir’s suspension from TMC, critics question whether the party leadership, especially Mamata Banerjee, tacitly approved the event — given the public announcements and posters preceding the ceremony.

Political Motives? BJP Sees Vote‐Bank Strategy

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders argue the mosque’s foundation is a calculated attempt to polarise voters ahead of the upcoming state elections in Bengal. They claim that building a “Babri-like mosque” is not a religious necessity but a deliberate political strategy aimed at sowing fear and consolidating the Muslim vote bank.

Opposition voices warn the decision could ratchet up communal tensions in Murshidabad. “If this mosque goes up, it will be seen not as a place of worship, but as a symbol of dominance,” a senior BJP spokesperson claimed.

Local Reaction: Mixed Emotions and Unease

While some Muslim residents welcomed the construction as a legitimate exercise of religious freedom, others expressed apprehension over the timing and symbolism. Hindu community leaders say the act offends collective memory, given the Babri Masjid legacy, and could disturb communal harmony in Bengal.

Civil-society groups have called for calm, urging all stakeholders to avoid inflammatory rhetoric. Legal experts point out that building a new mosque is lawful — but warn that authorities should ensure due process and avoid actions that may incite public disorder.

What Happens Next? Eyes on Legal and Political Fallout

The foundation-laying could trigger fresh litigation, petitions, or law-and-order directives. With the state assembly polls approaching, parties will likely sharpen their messaging — making this incident a key test of Bengal’s ability to balance religious freedom with communal peace.

Stakeholders across communities are now bracing for possible protests, counter-mobilisations and political manoeuvring. Observers say the coming days will reveal whether this mosque becomes a genuine place of worship or a flashpoint in Bengal’s polarising politics.

What’s Next ?
The foundation stone ceremony for a Babri-style mosque in Murshidabad has reopened deep-seated wounds and stirred fresh political controversy. Whether this moment becomes a communal flashpoint or a contested religious project depends largely on political leadership, community response and law enforcement in the coming weeks.