Murshidabad

Suspended Trinamool Congress (TMC) MLA Humayun Kabir on Saturday laid the foundation stone for a mosque in Murshidabad, declaring that the construction would go ahead despite legal and political challenges.

Kabir said he was exercising his constitutional right to build a place of worship and denied violating any law. “Anyone can build a temple or a church, so I can build a mosque. I am not doing anything unconstitutional,” he told the gathering, adding that multiple cases filed against him would not deter the project.

He said the mosque project is planned with an estimated budget of ₹300 crore and will include ancillary facilities such as a hospital, guesthouse, and meeting hall. Kabir reiterated his commitment to completing the project.

Meanwhile, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) criticised the West Bengal government for allowing Kabir to proceed with the programme, alleging that the move was aimed at creating religious polarisation. BJP leaders questioned the timing of Kabir’s suspension from the TMC and accused Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of political opportunism.

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The TMC has not issued any fresh response to the BJP’s allegations.