A new storm has erupted in West Bengal's politics. Suspended Trinamool Congress MLA Humayun Kabir laid the foundation for 'Babri Masjid' in Murshidabad's Beldanga on December 6, 2025 – exactly the day when the Babri structure in Ayodhya was demolished in 1992. This isn't just a mosque; it seems like a new script for electoral polarization. Kabir is calling himself 'Bengal's Owaisi' and has announced the launch of a new party on December 22. He claims to field candidates in over 135 seats and become a 'kingmaker' in the 2026 assembly elections.
The question is: Is Humayun Kabir paving the way for BJP to expand from south to north Bengal? Or will he challenge Mamata Banerjee's power by making inroads into Muslim votes? BJP is portraying this as a result of 'Mamata's appeasement policy,' while TMC claims Kabir is acting on BJP's cues.
Humayun Kabir's political journey itself is mysterious. Starting from Congress, then TMC, he was with BJP from 2018-2021 (contested 2019 Lok Sabha elections on BJP ticket), then back to TMC. Now, after suspension, a new party. For the 'Babri Masjid' project, over 5 crore in donations have been collected, with offers coming from abroad too. The event saw thousands in attendance, marching with bricks on their heads – all seeming like an effort to consolidate Muslim votes. But BJP is calling it 'Babar's mindset' and has announced to build a Ram temple right in Murshidabad.
In the 2026 elections, Muslim votes in Bengal (about 35%) are decisive. If Kabir splits the Muslim votes, it could lead to Hindu vote polarization in BJP's favor. Pressure is mounting on Mamata – accusations of appeasement on one side, and risking her core voters on the other. BJP sees this as an opportunity: promises to end 'jungle raj,' playing the Hindutva card, and focusing on Bengali identity.
Babri's ghost is rising again, but this time in Bengal. Issues like health and unemployment have become secondary – elections will be fought on temple-mosque lines. Will Kabir make a breach or get trapped himself? 2026 will tell, but right now, the air in Bengal reeks of polarization. The public's pocket and future are at stake – whose will this battle for power be?
