TMC leader donates ₹1.11 lakh for proposed ‘Babri Masjid’ in Beldanga, sparks political row

A political controversy has erupted in West Bengal’s Murshidabad district after a Trinamool Congress leader donated ₹1.11 lakh for the construction of a proposed ‘Babri Masjid’ in Beldanga. The contribution, made by Safiuzzaman Sheikh, president of the party’s Nowda Block unit and education officer of the Murshidabad Zilla Parishad, has intensified political tensions ahead of the Assembly elections.

The cheque was handed over on the first day of Ramadan in the name of the mosque trust under the “West Bengal Islamic Foundation of India.” The initiative for the proposed mosque has reportedly been associated with suspended TMC leader Humayun Kabir, whose recent political moves have already drawn attention within party circles.

Kabir was earlier suspended by the Trinamool Congress for statements considered anti-party. Senior leader Firhad Hakim had then remarked that raising the issue of constructing a ‘Babri Masjid’ could revive old controversies and deepen religious polarization, something the party does not endorse. Despite this, support for the proposed structure has surfaced from certain local leaders.

About a week ago, TMC MLA and Murshidabad district president Niyamat Sheikh had publicly backed the proposal. At a recent block-level meeting, Safiuzzaman Sheikh reportedly said, “We will build the mosque. The people of Murshidabad district will build it,” underlining local backing for the initiative.

The development has triggered reactions across the political spectrum. A local BJP leader described the move as reflective of the Trinamool Congress’s political thinking, calling it part of a broader electoral strategy. With elections approaching, the issue is expected to further sharpen debates around religion and politics in the state.