TMC MLA’s Babri Masjid Declaration Triggers Nationwide Outcry

A declaration by Trinamool Congress (TMC) MLA Humayun Kabir has sparked significant outrage across India, with religious leaders demanding his arrest following his announcement to lay the foundation stone for a new Babri Masjid in Murshidabad district. The event is scheduled for December 6, coinciding with the anniversary of the Babri Masjid demolition in 1992, which continues to evoke strong sentiments in the country.

The controversy intensified after Kabir stated, “We will lay the foundation stone of Babri Masjid on 6th December in Beldanga, Murshidabad district. It will take three years to complete. Various Muslim leaders will participate in that event.” His remarks were met with immediate backlash, particularly from religious figures who view this project as an affront to the long-resolved Ayodhya dispute.

Religious Leaders Respond with Fury

In a dramatic escalation, Jagadguru Paramhans Acharya announced a bounty of Rs 1 crore for anyone who kills the MLA in response to his statement. He condemned the proposal to build a mosque as a direct challenge to the Supreme Court ruling that settled the Ayodhya dispute, which concluded that the land where the Babri Masjid once stood should be used for a temple. Acharya warned, “If even a single brick is laid anywhere in the name of Mughal invaders, that person will not be spared.”

Acharya’s statements have raised concerns about potential violence and political instability, prompting calls for the government to take action against Kabir. He insisted that laying any brick in Babur’s name could provoke serious consequences, threatening national unity.

Calls for Legal Action Against Kabir

The outrage has not been limited to religious leaders. Ram Vilas Vedanti, a member of the Ram Janmabhoomi Trust, echoed Acharya’s sentiments, asserting, “No power in the world can now build another Babri Masjid anywhere in India.” He urged adherence to the principles of communal harmony and national unity promoted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Interestingly, voices against Kabir’s declaration have emerged from within the Muslim community as well. Iqbal Ansari, a key litigant in the Ayodhya case, criticized the MLA’s comments, stating, “Temples and mosques are not places for politics.” He underscored that the Supreme Court’s verdict on Ayodhya should be respected by all, emphasizing the importance of national loyalty over divisive politics.

As tensions rise, the timing of Kabir’s announcement is particularly provocative, occurring just days before the ceremonial flag hoisting at the newly constructed Ram Mandir on November 25. This event, intended as a celebration of Hindu faith and culture, now faces potential overshadowing by the controversy surrounding Kabir’s statement.

The situation illustrates the delicate balance of religious and political dynamics in India, where statements made by public figures can ignite passionate responses and lead to broader implications for communal relations. The coming days will be crucial in determining how this controversy unfolds and whether it will affect the upcoming flag hoisting ceremony, which the government views as a significant milestone.

As the nation awaits further developments, the call for unity and peace remains a central theme in the ongoing dialogue surrounding this contentious issue.