A Political Flashpoint: Humayun Kabir’s Babri Masjid Replica Plan Divides Bengal
West Bengal witnessed a sudden political tremor this week when Trinamool Congress MLA Humayun Kabir was suspended for announcing his intent to construct a replica of the Babri Masjid in Murshidabad. What initially appeared to be a localised announcement quickly snowballed into a statewide and national political storm, bringing issues of secularism, party discipline, and communal sensitivities into sharp focus.
- A Political Flashpoint: Humayun Kabir’s Babri Masjid Replica Plan Divides Bengal
- Tracing the Spark: What Exactly Did Humayun Kabir Say?
- TMC’s Immediate Action: A Firm, Calculated Response
- Security Concerns Mount: Administration Steps Into Overdrive
- Humayun Kabir Strikes Back: Announces Break from TMC
- BJP Jumps In: Calls the Incident Proof of TMC’s Confusion
- Why This Became a Major Political Issue: Key Reasons
- 1. Murshidabad’s Demographic Sensitivity
- 2. Symbolic Date = High Political Stakes
- 3. Internal TMC Pressure
- 4. Opposition’s Quick Mobilisation
- 5. Kabir’s Defiant Attitude
- Impact on Bengal’s Political Landscape
- What Comes Next?
- Conclusion: A Controversy That Redefined the Week
The ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) declared the suspension as a firm disciplinary measure, asserting that Kabir’s statement contradicted the party’s core values. Meanwhile, opposition parties seized the moment, turning the controversy into a fresh battleground for political narratives.
This incident — driven by one man’s declaration — has now evolved into a symbolic test of ideological positioning in Bengal’s increasingly competitive political landscape.
Tracing the Spark: What Exactly Did Humayun Kabir Say?
The genesis of the uproar was MLA Humayun Kabir’s public announcement that he planned to lay the foundation stone for a Babri Masjid replica in Beldanga on December 6. For many, the date carried unmistakable meaning — the anniversary of the 1992 Babri Masjid demolition, a day deeply etched in India’s communal and political history.
Kabir defended his plan by arguing that replicas exist worldwide and constructing one in Murshidabad “would not harm anyone.” However, the symbolic nature of the project, coupled with the sensitive date, made it impossible for the issue to remain merely local.
Why December 6?
This question became central to the controversy. Kabir insisted the date had no provocative intention, but his party and political opponents disagreed.
Kabir’s statement marked the turning point. Within hours, internal conversations in TMC signalled growing discomfort with the announcement.
TMC’s Immediate Action: A Firm, Calculated Response
The Trinamool Congress leadership moved quickly, reflecting an urgent need to uphold party discipline and prevent potential unrest. Announcing the decision, Kolkata Mayor Firhad Hakim stated:
“We already warned him. Why suddenly Babri Masjid? Trinamool believes in secular values. As per party decision, we are suspending MLA Humayun Kabir.”
Sources within the party revealed that Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee was furious. The leadership believed Kabir’s unilateral announcement not only disrupted party messaging but also risked communal tensions, especially in Murshidabad — one of West Bengal’s most religiously sensitive districts.
According to insiders, Kabir had previously been cautioned about making unpredictable and divisive remarks. His refusal to tone down rhetoric forced the party to act.
TMC’s message was clear: individual political experiments will not be allowed to compromise the party’s broader strategy.
Security Concerns Mount: Administration Steps Into Overdrive
Even though Kabir obtained formal permission for the December 6 program, the Murshidabad district administration placed the region under heightened security watch. Intelligence agencies reportedly flagged the possibility of group mobilisation and potential flare-ups.
West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose asked pointed questions:
“If the MLA’s statements can cause instability, why is he not being stopped? Murshidabad cannot be made a hub of scandal.”
His remarks indicated the gravity of the situation and highlighted the growing friction between the Raj Bhavan and the state government.
Local police officials confirmed they were monitoring the situation closely, given the sensitivities involved. For them, the issue wasn’t just political — it was a question of preventing a law-and-order crisis.
Humayun Kabir Strikes Back: Announces Break from TMC
Minutes after the suspension news broke, Humayun Kabir boycotted Mamata Banerjee’s rally in Murshidabad. Close sources revealed that he intends to resign from the Trinamool Congress and float his own political party.
Standing firm, Kabir said:
“History cannot be erased. If I want to build a structure that reflects our past, I will. Suspension will not stop me.”
His announcement could potentially create a new political outfit targeting minority voters in Murshidabad and adjacent districts.
If Kabir follows through, it could open an unexpected new chapter in Bengal’s political arithmetic — one that could affect TMC’s dominance in the region.
BJP Jumps In: Calls the Incident Proof of TMC’s Confusion
For the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the controversy offered the perfect opportunity to counter TMC’s narrative.
BJP spokesperson Pratul Shah Deo criticised Kabir’s remarks sharply:
“These statements are made only to create communal tension. If they dare, let them try to build a Babri Masjid-like structure. Such plans will only lead to disputes.”
The BJP framed Kabir’s announcement as part of a larger vote-bank strategy, alleging that TMC initially allowed such political positioning but distanced itself once the backlash grew.
Analysts believe BJP’s reaction aims to portray Trinamool as ideologically inconsistent and reactionary — a narrative the BJP hopes to capitalise on before elections.
Why This Became a Major Political Issue: Key Reasons
Several underlying factors contributed to how quickly the Humayun Kabir controversy escalated from a local announcement to a statewide political spectacle.
1. Murshidabad’s Demographic Sensitivity
Murshidabad has a sizable Muslim population and a history of political volatility. Any religious construction project can dramatically shift local sentiments.
2. Symbolic Date = High Political Stakes
Selecting December 6, a date tied to national communal memories, guaranteed that the issue would attract widespread attention and trigger reactions.
3. Internal TMC Pressure
TMC is preparing for major elections in 2025 and 2026. Any internal conflict or individual-driven agenda could weaken its political strategy.
4. Opposition’s Quick Mobilisation
BJP and other parties immediately seized the issue, framing it as evidence of either appeasement or internal chaos within TMC.
5. Kabir’s Defiant Attitude
His refusal to retract the announcement forced the party’s hand and amplified the drama.
Impact on Bengal’s Political Landscape
The suspension of Humayun Kabir is not an isolated disciplinary action — it is a political signal. With elections approaching, controlling dissent and ensuring message discipline is crucial for TMC.
However, Kabir’s possible decision to launch his own party could fragment minority votes, especially in pockets where he retains influence. Political experts believe even a 3–5% vote shift could alter seat outcomes in crucial constituencies.
Additionally, the Babri Masjid replica issue has reopened debates about:
- religious symbolism in politics
- party narratives on secularism
- election-year polarisation
- the power of individual legislators in shaping political controversies
The impact of this controversy may unfold over the coming months, potentially influencing strategies of both TMC and BJP.
What Comes Next?
For Humayun Kabir:
- Possible resignation from TMC
- Launch of a new political outfit
- Continuing the Babri Masjid replica project despite opposition
For TMC:
- Stabilising internal structure
- Reassuring minority voters
- Strengthening pre-election discipline
For BJP:
- Using the issue to position itself as the protector of order
- Criticising TMC’s handling of religious matters
For Murshidabad Administration:
- Maintaining strict security
- Preventing communal flare-ups
- Monitoring December 6 events closely
Conclusion: A Controversy That Redefined the Week
What began as a single statement by Humayun Kabir has now evolved into one of West Bengal’s most significant political controversies of the year. The Babri Masjid replica proposal, the TMC suspension, and the BJP’s reaction have together created a complex political storm that shows no signs of quieting down.
The coming weeks — especially the developments around December 6 — will determine how deeply this event reshapes Bengal’s political landscape.
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