Kolkata – Suspended Trinamool Congress (TMC) MLA Humayun Kabir has pledged to organize a mass Quran recitation in February, shortly after laying the foundation for a contentious Babri Masjid replica in West Bengal's Murshidabad district. This announcement follows a large-scale Gita chanting event held in Kolkata, adding a layer of complexity to the already charged political atmosphere in the state.
Kabir, the MLA from Bharatpur, was suspended from the TMC after declaring his intentions to construct a 'Babri Masjid' on December 6. The event coincided with the anniversary of the demolition of the Babri Masjid in Ayodhya in 1992, a date laden with historical and political significance. Amidst heavy security, including state police, RAF, and central forces, Kabir proceeded with laying the foundation stone in Rejinagar, with chants of "Allahu Akbar" resonating in the air.
The proposed Quran recitation, planned for February in Rejinagar, aims to gather one lakh participants. Kabir has also promised a feast for all attendees. Following the recitation, he intends to commence the construction of the Babri Masjid model.
Kabir defended his plans by asserting that the BJP is using Gita পাঠ (recitation) to seize power in Bengal and that he intends to organize Quran পাঠ (recitation) to ensure more Muslims win in the Vidhan Sabha (Legislative Assembly). He stated that there will be a pandal in Murshidabad for the Quran পাঠ and provisions for आरामसे খাওয়া-দাওয়া (comfortable eating) will be made. He added that people of সনাতন ধর্মের (Sanatan Dharma) are free to engage in Gita পাঠ, which he respects.
The Sanatan Sanskriti Sansad, a collective of monks and spiritual leaders from various Hindu institutions, organized the 'Panch Lakkho Konthe Gita Path' (Gita recitation by five lakh voices) at the Brigade Parade Ground in Kolkata. This event, coupled with Kabir's announcement, underscores the increasing visibility of religious activities as the state gears up for upcoming assembly elections.
The BJP has strongly criticized Kabir's actions, with state BJP president Samik Bhattacharya accusing the TMC MLA of making communal remarks against Hindus. Bhattacharya went on to say that the country is watching as West Bengal gradually transforms into West Bangladesh and questioned whether the TMC intends to reinstate "Babur's rule".
This is not the first time Kabir has faced disciplinary action. He was previously expelled from the TMC for six years in 2015 for "anti-party activities". He joined the BJP in 2018 and contested the 2019 Lok Sabha elections from Murshidabad before rejoining the TMC in 2021. In May 2024, Kabir made controversial remarks about the demographic composition of Murshidabad, further fueling tensions. He was also issued show-cause notices for demanding that Abhishek Banerjee be made deputy chief minister and for allegedly threatening Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari.
West Bengal Governor C.V. Ananda Bose has sought action against Kabir for making communally charged statements. Murshidabad experienced communal riots in April 2025 related to the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, resulting in fatalities and displacement.
Kabir's repeated controversial statements and actions have caused embarrassment for the TMC and provided ammunition for the BJP to target the ruling party. His recent actions, including the Babri Masjid replica foundation and the planned Quran recitation, are likely to further intensify the political and social polarization in West Bengal ahead of the assembly elections.
