The construction of a replica of the Babri Masjid has started in West Bengal’s Murshidabad district, flagging off a fresh political controversy ahead of the state going towards the Assembly elections.
The project under the superhead of suspended Trinamool congress leader Humayun Kabir, is likely to be completed in two years. The announcement of the project has snowballed heated debate between the Trinamool
Work at the site commenced on Wednesday, with Kabir expressing confidence that the project will be completed within two years.
Addressing those present at the site, Kabir described the project as an expression of faith and devotion, and said the structure would rise with divine blessings guiding the effort.
“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.
Amid mounting criticism, Kabir urged political rivals to stay away from what he characterised as a question of religious liberty. He said individuals should be free to observe their beliefs without hindrance and rejected claims that the initiative seeks to trigger confrontation.
“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, News the Truth reported.
UP Minister JPS Rathore says, “The Mamata government is trying to divide West Bengal. It is pushing the state towards a very dangerous situation, and in the coming time, they will have to pay the price for this.”
Kabir’s statement has reignited a ‘temple versus mosque’ debate, placing Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s Trinamool Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party at the centre of a fresh political confrontation.
Following the Murshidabad Babri Masjid proposal, the Trinamool Congress suspended Kabir from the party. In response, he launched his own political outfit, the Janata Unnayan Party (JUP), describing it as a “game-changer” in Bengal’s political landscape.
