As West Bengal heads toward Assembly elections, the political atmosphere is heating up over the Babri Masjid issue. Humayun Kabir, leader of the Janata Union Party, has triggered controversy after initiating construction work related to a proposed “Babri Masjid” in Murshidabad. A day after the reported commencement of construction, Kabir has now launched a ‘Babri Yatra’ as part of his political outreach. The yatra began from Palashi and proceeded by vehicle up to Rejinagar. From there, Kabir is undertaking a 22-kilometre foot march to Beldanga, where the mosque is proposed to be built. Initially planned as a nearly 265–300 kilometre journey from Nadia district to North Dinajpur, the route was significantly shortened due to ongoing board examinations in the state. Organizers have also stated that microphones and loudspeakers will not be used during the march to avoid disruption. Visuals show Kabir covering part of the journey on a motorcycle and part on foot. After beginning construction work, Kabir reiterated his stand, stating that he will build the Babri Masjid and that there should be no opposition. He argued that Muslims did not oppose the construction of the Ram Temple and therefore similar respect should be shown now. The development has sparked sharp political reactions. BJP MP Ravi Kishan alleged that such moves are politically motivated and claimed that various opposition forces in Bengal are acting together out of fear of the BJP’s rising prospects in the state. He asserted that public sentiment, especially among youth and women, is shifting toward the BJP ahead of the elections.
