The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has announced plans to construct a Ram temple in West Bengal following controversial remarks by TMC MLA Humayun Kabir about building a Babri Masjid-like mosque in the state.
BJP’s Response
Senior BJP leader Agnimitra Paul emphasized that the construction of the Ram temple is not a reaction to Kabir’s statements. However, she criticized Kabir for making provocative comments and accused West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of fostering communal tensions for political advantage.
- Paul’s Comments:“Ram Mandir should not be built as a response to the mosque. The same person who talked about constructing the Babri Masjid once said Hindus would be massacred and thrown into the Bhagirathi. There was no action taken against him.”She alleged that Banerjee was appeasing certain communities for her vote bank, saying:“Mamata Banerjee is preparing another Bangladesh for her vote bank. Ram Mandir will be constructed, and its foundation stone will be laid in Berhampur.”
BJP leader Shankar Ghosh supported the move, calling the construction of the Ram temple a natural reflection of Indian culture while rejecting Kabir’s statements:
“Constructing the temple is natural; it symbolizes our culture. Associating the temple with a mosque is not right. Babri Masjid has its own history—how can it be built in Bengal?”
TMC MLA Humayun Kabir’s Remarks and Clarification
Humayun Kabir described the Babri Masjid as an emotional issue for Muslims while dismissing allegations of creating communal unrest:
- He clarified that there is no request for government land or grants.
- Kabir emphasized that a trust would be formed to handle the legal purchase of land for the mosque, without state intervention:“A trust will decide on the location and purchase land with its own funds. This is a matter of faith, not meant to trouble anyone.”
Kabir also rejected allegations regarding illegal Bangladeshi involvement, stating:
“Border security is the central government’s responsibility. If someone enters illegally, it’s their job to handle it.”
Political and Cultural Context
This development underscores the growing political tensions in West Bengal over communal and cultural narratives.
- The BJP’s Ram temple initiative aligns with its national ideological stance and ongoing efforts to consolidate its influence in Bengal.
- The TMC has defended Kabir, portraying his comments as faith-driven while rejecting allegations of communal provocation.
Conclusion
As the BJP moves forward with plans for a Ram temple in Bengal, the debate surrounding the Babri Masjid-like mosque reflects deep political and cultural divides in the state. Both parties are leveraging these issues ahead of upcoming political contests, with accusations of communal tensions and vote-bank politics taking center stage.