TMC Rebel MLA Threatens Administration: “Stop Me and NH-34 Will Be Under Muslim Control”
Murshidabad (The Uttam Hindu): Political tensions in West Bengal flared up once again after rebel Trinamool Congress (TMC) MLA Humayun Kabir openly challenged the administration, declaring that he will lay the foundation of a mosque “similar to the Babri Masjid” in Murshidabad district on December 6. Kabir warned that if officials attempt to stop him, National Highway-34 (NH-34) will “come under the control of Muslims” that day. His remarks have triggered a political storm, especially with the state assembly elections scheduled early next year.
Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, the Beldanga MLA levelled serious allegations against the district administration. Calling officials “agents of the RSS,” Kabir said that stopping his programme would be “playing with fire.” He questioned, “I announced a year ago that I would lay the foundation of a Babri-like mosque in Beldanga. Why is it an issue now? Are you acting on BJP’s instructions?” Kabir added that he does not want to disturb peace, but if his peaceful event is obstructed, he is ready to respond, and NH-34 will be under their control.
Soon after the controversy erupted, the Trinamool Congress distanced itself from Kabir’s statement. Party MP Kalyan Banerjee dismissed Kabir’s political relevance, saying the people of Bengal trust only Mamata Banerjee and that figures like Kabir hold no significance. Chief Whip Nirmal Ghosh also clarified that the party is not in touch with Kabir and does not endorse any of his actions. Notably, Kabir has been at loggerheads with the party leadership for several months and recently indicated plans to form his own organisation.
Opposition parties used the incident to attack the state government. BJP state president Samik Bhattacharya accused the TMC of deliberately pushing Bengal towards chaos and using such statements for communal polarisation. The CPI(M) called it an example of TMC’s “ideological instability.” CPI(M) leader Saikat Giri mocked Kabir, pointing out that he was with the BJP until 2019, yet now as a TMC MLA he labels the administration as “RSS agents.” State minister Siddiqullah Chowdhury also warned that a “dangerous emotional atmosphere” is being intentionally created in Bengal.