BJP's Agnimitra Paul Responds to TMC MLA’s Mosque Remarks

By A Staff Reporter

Kolkata: BJP leader Agnimitra Paul responded sharply to TMC MLA Humayun Kabir's recent remarks about the potential construction of a Babri Masjid-like mosque in West Bengal, calling it a provocative statement. Kabir had earlier suggested that a mosque similar to the Babri Masjid could be built in the state, a remark that has sparked political controversy.

In her response, Paul emphasized that the construction of a Ram Mandir in West Bengal was not being undertaken as a countermeasure to any mosque. "Ram Mandir should not be built as a response to the mosque," Paul said, adding that both the Ram Mandir and a mosque could be constructed peacefully.

Paul also criticized Kabir's earlier inflammatory statement in which he allegedly suggested that Hindus would be "massacred" and thrown into the Bhagirathi River. "The same person who said Hindus will be massacred once said that a Babri Masjid will be constructed. There was no show-cause or punishment for this statement," Paul remarked, suggesting that the TMC leadership had not taken appropriate action against Kabir.

The BJP leader accused West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of fostering communal tensions for electoral gains. "Mamata Banerjee is behind these remarks. She is preparing another Bangladesh for her vote bank," Paul asserted, framing the remarks as part of a broader strategy to appease specific sections of the electorate.

Paul further announced that the BJP would mark the completion of one year since the Ram Mandir foundation stone was laid in Ayodhya, with plans to lay the foundation for a Ram Mandir in Berhampur, West Bengal. "Ram Mandir will be constructed," she said confidently, asserting that the BJP’s vision for the temple would move forward despite the political distractions.

The remarks have intensified the already heated political discourse in the state, with the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the opposition BJP continuing to clash over issues of religion and governance