Humayun Kabir’s construction announcement draws sharp reactions from BJP, TMC and clerics
February 11, 2026: Political and social tensions have escalated in West Bengal’s Murshidabad district after Humayun Kabir, chief of the Janata Unnayan Party and former TMC MLA, announced plans to construct a new mosque in the name of the Babri Masjid. Kabir declared that work would begin at 12:00 PM at a proposed site in Beldanga, with reports of preparations for a religious programme and Quran recitation. Claims that lakhs of supporters may gather for the event have further heightened concerns in the region.
The announcement triggered strong political reactions. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said the Babri structure would never be rebuilt “until doomsday,” prompting Kabir to assert that building a mosque is his constitutional right and that the project would move forward in Bengal. The Trinamool Congress (TMC), meanwhile, alleged that the move appears politically motivated and could benefit the BJP ahead of elections, claiming possible external influence behind the declaration.
Amid the growing controversy, cleric Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi appealed for restraint, urging leaders not to revive temple-mosque disputes. He emphasised that the Ayodhya matter had been settled by the Supreme Court and said the focus should shift to employment and development. The development has reignited a broader political debate, with authorities expected to closely monitor the situation.