Political tensions have risen in West Bengal over the plan by rebel Trinamool Congress (TMC) MLA Humayun Kabir to inaugurate a mosque in Murshidabad on the lines of the Babri Masjid.
Kolkata: The plan to inaugurate a mosque in Murshidabad, West Bengal, on December 6, modelled after the Babri Masjid, has heated up political discourse in the state. This event is being led by rebel TMC MLA Humayun Kabir. Recently, Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose wrote a letter to the state government expressing his concern over the matter, making it clear that such an event would not be permitted under any circumstances.
Governor CV Ananda Bose's Strong Statement
Governor Bose stated,
'The intelligence and field reports I have received indicate an attempt to turn Murshidabad into a ‘school of scandal’. This will not be allowed. If communal sentiments are incited, the Constitution and the state will not remain mere spectators. Strict action will be taken against those who break the law.'
The Governor stated that those advocating for the construction of a building similar to the Babri Masjid in West Bengal should take this warning seriously. He directed the administration to remain fully active in maintaining law and order and preventing violence in the state.
Concern Over Bengal's Changing Demography
The Governor also expressed concern over the changing demography of Murshidabad and the state. He stated, 'Data on demographic imbalance exists and speaks for itself. Surveys will prove this. Violence and corruption are two major cancers for Bengal that must be eradicated from their roots.' Experts believe that this statement is based on the Governor's reports and field intelligence, which mention potential communal tension and law and order situations.
Rebel TMC MLA Humayun Kabir has announced the inauguration of a Babri Masjid-like structure in Murshidabad on December 6. The choice of this date is seen as a political message, as the Babri Masjid was demolished on December 6, 1992. The TMC observes this day as ‘Struggle Day’, and this year the state government has also declared it a public holiday.
Kabir has warned in his statements that if the administration or the state government tries to stop him, there will be widespread resistance. He stated that his program would be conducted under constitutional rights and could involve millions of people.
Humayun Kabir and the Governor's Standoff
Humayun Kabir dismissed the letter written by the Governor as baseless and politically motivated, stating that the state government is responsible for maintaining law and order, and the Governor is merely an advisor. Kabir said, “The fear from Raj Bhavan is futile, and his advice is unnecessary.” However, the Murshidabad administration has not yet granted permission for Humayun Kabir's event. District officials state that the law and order situation is being reviewed.
In response, Kabir issued a warning: 'If the administration tries to stop us, the highway from Rejinagar to Baharampur will be blocked. My message is clear – do not play with fire.'
This dispute in the state is taking the form of a political confrontation among the TMC, opposition parties, and the administration. Humayun Kabir's continuous defiance and threatening statements are challenging law and order in the state. Meanwhile, Governor Bose has made it clear that violations of constitutional provisions and law will not be tolerated under any circumstances.
