Murshidabad on High Alert as Sacked TMC MLA Pushes Ahead With Babri-Style Mosque Ceremony on Dec 6

West Bengal’s Murshidabad district has been placed under an extensive security blanket as suspended Trinamool Congress MLA Humayun Kabir prepares to go ahead with the foundation-laying ceremony for a mosque he has repeatedly described as being “modelled on the Babri Masjid”. The event is scheduled for Saturday — a date loaded with historical and communal sensitivities as it marks the anniversary of the Babri Masjid demolition.

Kabir, expelled from the TMC this week, claimed that nearly three lakh people would gather in Beldanga for the ceremony. The administration has sealed the area and converted it into a high-security zone after the Calcutta High Court declined to halt the event but directed the state to ensure absolute law and order.

Massive Security Deployment

Rapid Action Force (RAF) teams, district police, and central forces have been stationed across key points in Rejinagar, Beldanga and on both sides of National Highway 12 — Bengal’s crucial north–south corridor. Nearly 3,000 personnel will remain deployed to prevent congestion, manage crowds and avoid any flare-ups.

Diversion routes and emergency response mechanisms have also been prepared amid concerns of an overwhelming turnout.

Political and Administrative Tensions

The Trinamool Congress moved quickly to distance itself from Kabir, suspending him for “communal politics”. The timing of the ceremony — on December 6 — poses political risks for the ruling party, which plans to observe Samhati Diwas (Unity Day) to promote communal harmony.

Governor C V Ananda Bose appealed to citizens not to react to “rumours and provocative comments”, urging peace across the state.

Kabir, a former Congress and BJP leader who joined the TMC before turning rebel, announced that he would resign from the Assembly and launch a new political outfit later this month.

Grand Preparations on the Ground

The event venue resembles a large public fair:

• A 150-ft-long, 80-ft-wide stage has been erected near NH-12

• Seating has been arranged for 400 invitees

• Two clerics from Saudi Arabia are expected to attend

• Nearly 3,000 volunteers have been deployed for crowd control

• Seven local caterers have prepared around 60,000 biryani packets

Organisers estimate the food budget alone at over ₹30 lakh, with total spending likely to reach ₹70 lakh.

According to the day’s schedule, Quran recitation will begin at 10 am, followed by the foundation ceremony at noon, a community meal at 2 pm and dispersal by 4 pm per police instructions.

Opposition’s Response

While the ruling TMC stresses unity, the Left Front will observe December 6 as “Black Day”, underscoring the continuing political and ideological divide over the Ayodhya demolition.

As Bengal enters a day charged with symbolism and potential volatility, Beldanga becomes the focal point of intersecting narratives — faith, politics, mobilisation and electoral messaging. Whether the gathering remains peaceful or sparks fresh tensions will test the state’s administrative preparedness and political climate.