Recitation of the Quran, invitation to 1200 Maulvis... Construction of a Babri-like mosque will begin tomorrow in Murshidabad
The announcement of constructing a Babri-like mosque in Murshidabad, West Bengal, has intensified political debates in India ahead of the formal construction starting on February 11.
The political landscape in India, particularly in West Bengal, is heating up following the announcement to commence the construction of a mosque resembling the Babri Masjid in Ayodhya from February 11. Humayun Kabir, the leader of the Janata Unnayan Party (JUP) and a former Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader, stated that the construction will be formally inaugurated with the recitation of the Holy Quran by approximately 1200 Maulanas, Muftis, and religious leaders. This development is significant as it echoes the historical Babri Masjid issue, which has had longstanding implications on communal politics in the country.
The project aims to complete the mosque construction within two years at an estimated cost of around 300 crore rupees. However, reports indicate that only about 6 crore rupees have been raised so far for the project, raising concerns regarding its funding and potential feasibility. The construction of this mosque could reignite communal tensions in an already polarized political environment, especially with upcoming electoral events influencing the regional political discourse. The timing of this announcement, amidst rising political rhetoric in Uttar Pradesh and beyond, reflects a strategic maneuver by local political entities to engage and mobilize their voter base by invoking religious sentiments.
As the project progresses, it will be crucial to monitor the reactions from various political parties across the spectrum as well as responses from community leaders. The implications of this mosque's construction could resonate beyond West Bengal, affecting communal harmony and political dynamics throughout India, especially given the sensitive nature of the Babri Masjid issue.