The Aryavarth Express
Murshidabad (West Bengal), February 11: Jan Unnayan Party (JUP) chief Humayun Kabir on Wednesday announced the start of construction of a new mosque in Murshidabad district, stating that it would be named ‘Babri Masjid’ and completed within the next two years.
Speaking at the launch event in the Rejinagar-Beldanga area, Kabir thanked supporters who gathered for the occasion and expressed confidence that the project would move forward despite opposition.
“I am very happy and thank the Almighty. So many people are standing with me today. Let others oppose me. In the next two years, I hope the Babri Masjid structure will be completed,” Kabir said. He added that while temple construction is often accepted, opposition arises when Muslims seek to build a mosque. “We will throw them out of power,” he remarked, referring to political opponents.
Kabir had earlier, in January, announced plans for the construction of a hospital and a university in the area alongside the mosque. Addressing a three-day event in Murshidabad earlier this year, he had said that the initiatives were aimed at benefiting local residents.
“A Babri Masjid will be built here, a hospital will be built, a university will be built, and facilities will be created for the benefit of the people,” Kabir had stated.
He also emphasised that people from different communities were participating in the ongoing construction and related activities. According to Kabir, prayers will be held every Friday at the site until the mosque is completed.
Meanwhile, Trinamool Congress (TMC) national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee criticised Kabir over the announcement. Banerjee took a swipe at the JUP chief, who had previously been associated with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), alleging that there was little difference between Kabir and the BJP as both engage in politics around temple-mosque issues.
Further reactions from other political parties are awaited.
