Work has officially commenced on a replica of the Babri Masjid in West Bengal’s Murshidabad district. The project is being spearheaded by former Trinamool Congress (TMC) MLA Humayun Kabir. The announcement of this construction has ignited significant political tension in the state, which is gearing up for Assembly elections scheduled for March/April 2026.

Project Timeline and Rationale

Speaking at the construction site, Kabir stated that the project is expected to take approximately two years to complete. He framed the initiative as a religious endeavor rather than a political provocation.

“By the grace of Allah, our Babri Masjid will be built,” Kabir declared. Addressing critics, he added, “People are free to follow their own religions and build temples, churches, or whatever they wish. My effort is for Islam to please Allah… it is not about imposing anything.”

Political Fallout and Repercussions

The announcement has turned the upcoming elections into a contentious battle of optics between the ruling Trinamool Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). To distance itself from the controversy and reaffirm its secular image, the TMC suspended Kabir shortly after his announcement.

The original Babri Masjid, a 16th-century structure in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, was demolished in December 1992, making its recreation a deeply sensitive subject in Indian politics.

Kabir’s Shift to New Political Venture

Following his suspension, Kabir launched a scathing attack on West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. He announced that his new political outfit, the Janata Unnayan Party (JUP), will contest 135 out of the 249 seats in the 2026 elections.

While acknowledging Banerjee’s past electoral successes, Kabir claimed she has changed. “In 2026, she will not become the Chief Minister… she will be branded as ex-Chief Minister,” he asserted, further alleging that the TMC has allowed the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) to expand its footprint in the state.

Responses from Major Parties

The political landscape remains fractured over the issue, with both major parties dismissing Kabir’s influence while leveling accusations at each other.
* Trinamool Congress: TMC spokesperson Jayprakash Majumdar downplayed the JUP’s potential impact, stating, “It is nothing more than a communal provocation.” He predicted the party would fade into obscurity, similar to previous breakaway factions.

* Bharatiya Janata Party: The BJP characterized the move as a “calculated” attempt to spark communal tension. State BJP chief Samik Bhattacharya alleged that Kabir is actually working in clandestine cooperation with the TMC to split opposition votes, predicting a heavy defeat for him in the upcoming polls.

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