Amid controversy over Babri Masjid statement, BJP announces plan to build Ram Mandir in West Bengal

Kolkata: In response to TMC MLA Humayun Kabir’s comments on the construction of a mosque in the state that would resemble the Babri Mosque, the BJP has declared plans to establish a Ram temple in West Bengal.

But according to BJP leader Agnimitra Paul, the Ram temple’s building shouldn’t be seen as a response to the planned mosque. Paul blasted Kabir for his comments on the construction of a mosque in West Bengal that resembled the Babri Mosque. He accused Kabir of making provocative remarks and said that nothing was done about his previous anti-Hindu remarks.

It is not appropriate to construct Ram Mandir in retaliation for the mosque. It is possible to build both the Ram Mandir and Babri Masjid. The same individual who said that the Babri Mosque will be built also predicted that Hindus would be killed and thrown into the Bhagirathi. Paul said that there was neither a show-cause notice nor any consequence for these remarks.

She also charged Mamata Banerjee, the chief minister of West Bengal, with inciting intercommunal strife for political ends. “Mamata Banerjee is the source of these statements… She is getting ready to give her vote bank another Bangladesh. The Ram Mandir will be built. The foundation stone will be set in Berhampur, and we will celebrate the Ayodhya Ram Mandir’s first year,” Paul said.

Shankar Ghosh, a BJP politician, too voiced his opinion, describing the Ram temple’s building as “natural” and a symbol of Indian culture. He took issue with Kabir’s comments, stating, “Building the temple is normal; it represents our culture. Those that invaded us are linked to the mosque. Bangladesh gives us insight into this community’s mindset. It would be incorrect to equate the building of a mosque with the building of a temple. How can the Babri Mosque be built in West Bengal when it has its own history?

Prior to this, TMC MLA Humayun Kabir explained his remarks by characterizing the Babri Masjid as a very sensitive topic for Muslims. “The Babri Masjid was a sentimental issue for Muslims,” he said. Babur constructed it, and as everyone is aware, the Babri Mosque was destroyed in 1992. The Babri Masjid still hasn’t been reconstructed after 30 years. A unanimous ruling by the Supreme Court in 2019 authorized the construction of a mosque on five acres of property. It will be constructed in due time.

Kabir also responded to criticism of the Bengali mosque proposal.

Some claim that a second Babri Mosque would be constructed in Bengal, namely in Murshidabad, in an attempt to incite people. But that’s not a problem. Nothing is wrong. If you’re wondering where the land for the Babri Masjid will be purchased, let me explain that we haven’t applied for any property for the Babri Masjid from the state government. “No, we don’t intend to take any grants or land from the government,” he said.

Kabir emphasized that the mosque will not be built on government money or property. “Respected persons will establish a trust, choose the site, and use the trust’s money to buy the property. The procedure will adhere to all legal requirements, including registration and tax payments. “I don’t mean to disturb anyone, but this is a matter of faith,” he said.

Kabir said that the federal government is in charge of ensuring border security and denied any connection with Bangladeshis. “The central government and the security forces are responsible for dealing with anybody who enters unlawfully. It is not my obligation to do that. It is up to them whether they deport them or capture them. So far, I haven’t seen any such problem,” he said.