TMC Suspends MLA Humayun Kabir After Babri Masjid Replica Proposal Triggers Statewide Debate
A major political controversy erupted in West Bengal this week after Trinamool Congress MLA Humayun Kabir was suspended by the party for proposing the construction of a Babri Masjid replica in Murshidabad. The move, which Kabir framed as a symbolic gesture, quickly escalated into a nationwide debate over the political, religious, and administrative implications of such an announcement.
- A Controversial Announcement: The Babri Masjid Replica Plan
- Trinamool Congress Reacts: ‘We Believe in Secularism’
- High Alert in Murshidabad: Administration Steps In
- Humayun Kabir Hits Back: Announces New Party
- BJP Attacks Trinamool, Says ‘Communal Politics on Display’
- Why the Issue Escalated: Election Year Sensitivity
- 1. Communal sensitivities in Murshidabad
- 2. The symbolic date — December 6
- 3. Internal discipline issues within TMC
- 4. The fear of minority vote fragmentation
- A New Political Chapter Begins
- Conclusion: A Local Issue Turns Into a National Debate
The ruling Trinamool Congress acted swiftly, claiming the MLA’s comments threatened the party’s stated secular stand. The suspension of Humayun Kabir marks one of the most serious disciplinary actions taken by the TMC in recent years — especially at a time when West Bengal’s political environment is already charged with religious and electoral tensions.
This article explores what led to Kabir’s suspension, why his announcement created an uproar, how different political parties reacted, and what this means for the evolving political landscape ahead of the 2025 and 2026 elections.
A Controversial Announcement: The Babri Masjid Replica Plan
The controversy began when Humayun Kabir, the Trinamool MLA from Bharatpur in Murshidabad, publicly declared that he intended to lay the foundation stone for a Babri mosque replica on December 6 — a date symbolically tied to the demolition of the original Babri Masjid in Ayodhya in 1992.
The MLA claimed the project would be constructed in Beldanga, adding that it was an initiative he had been planning for “cultural” and “historical remembrance.”
However, the date and symbolism immediately sparked accusations of political opportunism and deliberate provocation. While Humayun Kabir insisted the initiative had “no communal motive,” the timing and messaging raised questions within the party as well as among law-and-order agencies.
Trinamool Congress Reacts: ‘We Believe in Secularism’
Within hours of the statement going viral, senior TMC leadership called for internal discussions. According to officials, the party had previously “warned” Kabir about making unpredictable statements on religious subjects.
Kolkata Mayor Firhad Hakim announced the decision publicly:
“We noticed that one of our MLAs suddenly declared that he would build the Babri Masjid. Why suddenly Babri Masjid? We believe in secular theory. As per the decision of our party, we are suspending MLA Humayun Kabir.”
Hakim’s words clearly indicated that the party saw the move as inconsistent with Trinamool’s political positioning — particularly with the Lok Sabha elections approaching.
Sources confirmed that Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee was upset and considered the announcement an “avoidable provocation.” The party instructed Kabir to withdraw the statement immediately; he refused.
According to party insiders, the suspension was not simply about the Babri Masjid replica — it was about discipline, messaging control, and election strategy.
High Alert in Murshidabad: Administration Steps In
Although Humayun Kabir received official permission to conduct his December 6 event, the Murshidabad administration moved to high alert mode. Intelligence inputs reportedly suggested potential tensions.
Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose also raised concerns, asking why police were allowing such developments if they posed a law-and-order risk.
The governor said:
“Someone is deliberately trying to turn Murshidabad into a hub of scandal. If communal sentiments are stirred, the government cannot remain silent.”
The governor’s remarks intensified the political heat, making the issue a subject of national discussion.
Humayun Kabir Hits Back: Announces New Party
Just minutes after his suspension, Humayun Kabir did not hold back. He skipped Mamata Banerjee’s rally, citing “protest,” and announced plans to resign from Trinamool Congress entirely.
Sources close to the MLA confirm that Kabir is planning to launch his own political outfit within days — a move that could potentially split minority votes in some pockets of Murshidabad.
Kabir maintained that he had done “nothing wrong,” saying:
“If I want to build a structure that represents a part of history, what is wrong with that? I will go ahead with the Babri Masjid replica.”
His firm stance suggests the controversy may escalate further in coming weeks.
BJP Attacks Trinamool, Says ‘Communal Politics on Display’
The suspension of Humayun Kabir also provided the BJP with ammunition against the ruling party.
BJP spokesperson Pratul Shah Deo slammed Kabir’s remarks, saying such announcements are made solely to create communal tensions ahead of elections.
He challenged:
“If they have the courage, let them try to build a Babri Masjid-like structure anywhere in West Bengal. These statements are meant to provoke. If memorials are raised in the name of Babar, Akbar, Shahjahan, or Aurangzeb, disputes will follow.”
The BJP framed the issue as proof of what it called Trinamool’s “double standards” on secularism — accusing the party of allowing such statements until they become politically inconvenient.
Why the Issue Escalated: Election Year Sensitivity
Political analysts point out that the timing of Humayun Kabir’s proposal — just months before the 2025 municipal elections and a year ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections — amplified the impact of the controversy.
Several factors contributed to the escalation:
1. Communal sensitivities in Murshidabad
Murshidabad has a delicate social balance and a long history of political competition between TMC, Congress, and AIMIM. Any communal issue can change electoral equations.
2. The symbolic date — December 6
Announcing an event on the Babri Masjid demolition anniversary was guaranteed to attract national attention.
3. Internal discipline issues within TMC
TMC has been trying to present a united, disciplined image ahead of elections. Kabir’s unilateral announcement disrupted that strategy.
4. The fear of minority vote fragmentation
Kabir launching his own party may weaken TMC’s base in select constituencies.
A New Political Chapter Begins
With his suspension confirmed, Humayun Kabir now stands at a political crossroads.
His next moves will determine:
- whether a new minority-focused party emerges in Murshidabad
- whether the Babri Masjid replica project continues
- whether tensions escalate closer to December 6
- whether TMC faces internal cracks in minority-heavy districts
For now, the ruling party has distanced itself and reiterated its commitment to secularism, administration stability, and law-and-order control.
Conclusion: A Local Issue Turns Into a National Debate
The suspension of Humayun Kabir demonstrates how fast a local political statement can turn into a national narrative in India’s charged political climate. The Babri Masjid replica proposal touched on history, identity, communal politics, and election strategy — making it one of the most discussed political developments of the week.
As December 6 approaches, security agencies remain vigilant, opposition parties remain vocal, and Trinamool Congress works to contain damage.
The controversy is far from over.
Get the latest updates on Global India Broadcast News your trusted digital destination for breaking headlines, entertainment buzz, lifestyle trends, health and fitness tips, technology insights, business developments, political updates, world news, and exclusive interviews from India and around the globe.
