Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday, April 14, launched a sharp political attack in West Bengal, saying that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will not allow the construction of a “Babri Masjid replica” in the state if it comes to power after the upcoming assembly elections.
Addressing a rally in Gazole in Malda district, Shah directly targeted former Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Humayun Kabir, who recently floated the Aam Janata Unnayan Party, as well as West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.
Shah said, “Mamata didi and Humayun Kabir should listen to me carefully. This is Bharat, and no man worth his salt can build a Babri Masjid here.”
He further warned, “Humayun Kabir should listen with his ears open when I say the BJP won’t allow the mosque to be built. Mamata Banerjee and her nephew should also know that their dreams of building that mosque will be shattered.”
“Agent of Mamata Banerjee”: Shah Targets Kabir
Amit Shah also described Humayun Kabir as an “agent” of Mamata Banerjee and alleged that he was acting under her influence in connection with the proposed mosque project in Murshidabad’s Beldanga area.
Kabir, who was earlier suspended from the TMC in December, had proposed building a Babri-style mosque on private land, which has triggered strong political controversy in the state.
Shah claimed that Kabir and Mamata Banerjee were “two of a kind” and accused the TMC leadership of encouraging divisive politics.
Background: Babri-Style Mosque Project Sparks Political Row
The controversy began after Humayun Kabir laid the foundation stone for a Babri-style mosque on December 6 last year, marking the anniversary of the Babri Masjid demolition in Ayodhya. The project, estimated at around ₹86 crore and planned on roughly eight acres of private land, quickly became a major political flashpoint in West Bengal.
The BJP has strongly opposed the project, while the TMC has accused the BJP of using the issue for political gain.
Shah Links Issue to Ram Temple Debate
Amit Shah also referred to the Ram Temple construction in Ayodhya, saying opposition parties had earlier blocked the project for decades. He claimed that after the BJP’s 2019 electoral victory, the Ram temple was built under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership.
He said that parties like the Congress, TMC, DMK, Samajwadi Party, and BSP had opposed the Ram temple project, adding that similar resistance is now being seen in Bengal politics.
Political War Intensifies Ahead of Polls
The issue has added further heat to the West Bengal political landscape, where elections are scheduled in two phases on April 23 and April 29, with counting set for May 4.
Shah’s remarks are also seen as part of the BJP’s broader campaign strategy, especially after a viral video controversy involving Humayun Kabir. In the video, Kabir allegedly claimed links with BJP leaders and spoke about a financial deal to influence political equations in Bengal. The authenticity of the video has not been independently verified.
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had earlier accused the BJP of striking a “₹1,000-crore deal” with Kabir to weaken the TMC. The BJP has strongly denied the allegation.
Shah, however, rejected any association with Kabir, saying the BJP would “rather sit in opposition for 20 years” than align with him.
