The foundation stone for a mosque in Rejinagar, which is intended to mimic Ayodhya's Babri Masjid, was set on Saturday by suspended TMC MLA Humayun Kabir. The occasion was characterized by strict security and contentious comments.
As thousands of people arrived at the location early in the morning, Kabir and visiting priests cut a ceremonial ribbon. "Nara-e-Takbeer, Allahu Akbar" was chanted around the grounds, where a sizable dais had been erected for the event, according to news agency PTI.
Large police, Rapid Action Force, and central force contingents were stationed around Rejinagar and neighboring Beldanga to prevent any disturbances during the event.
Following Kabir's announcement of the event earlier this month, the administration increased security.

The Trinamool Congress suspended Kabir earlier this week for engaging in "communal politics," according to the TMC. He proceeded with the foundation-laying on December 6, the anniversary of the destruction of the Babri Masjid in Ayodhya, in defiance of the suspension.
CM Mamata Banerjee is criticized by the BJP
Shortly after the ceremony started, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) intensified its criticism of the state government. "While distancing herself from her MLA Humayun Kabir, Mamata Banerjee has chosen to polarize Muslims in West Bengal," the saffron party claimed.
According to news agency ANI, the West Bengal BJP posted a video on X with the Bengali adage "Dhori Machh Naa Chhui Paani," which loosely translates to "getting something done without getting your hands dirty."

Additionally, the BJP questioned the timing of Kabir's suspension, asking, "Why did she not suspend him earlier when he threatened Hindus by saying Muslims are 70% and Hindus merely 30% in Murshidabad?"
"Playing with fire"
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee was accused by BJP leader Amit Malviya of purposefully inflaming tensions in an area renowned for its precarious communal balance.
"West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is playing with fire," he wrote in a post on X. Mamata Banerjee is allegedly using "suspended" TMC MLA Humayun Kabir to divide Muslim sentiment for political purposes, according to reports that have surfaced from Beldanga in Murshidabad, raising grave concerns.

Malviya cited local reports asserting that groups of Kabir's supporters were "carrying bricks to construct what he claims will be a Babri Masjid," adding that Kabir had purportedly claimed security and help from the West Bengal Police.
"Any organized disturbance could lead to a blockade of NH-12, which connects North Bengal to the rest of the state," he added, highlighting the area's strategic relevance. A situation like this would have serious ramifications for law and order and might even affect national security.
Malviya said in a legal post that the CM's handling of the issue showed "calculated political intent rather than a commitment to preserving harmony."