With West Bengal bracing for a potentially volatile weekend, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has issued a strong and symbolic appeal for peace and communal harmony amid growing tensions surrounding the foundation-laying ceremony for a mosque described as being modelled after the Babri Masjid. The event, set to take place in Murshidabad on December 6, coincides with the anniversary of the 1992 demolition of the Babri Masjid in Ayodhya, a date that continues to evoke deep sensitivities across the country. Banerjee’s statement arrives at a critical moment as political temperatures rise and communities across the state watch developments closely.

Speaking on the occasion of Unity Day, also observed as Harmony Day in West Bengal, Banerjee delivered a message intended to remind citizens of Bengal’s historical legacy of coexistence and cultural inclusiveness. Her remarks highlighted the state’s proud tradition of resisting attempts to divide communities along religious lines and emphasised the importance of preserving the values that have shaped Bengal’s social fabric for generations.

“Unity is strength,” the Chief Minister said in her address. She added that the soil of Bengal, shaped by figures such as Rabindranath Tagore, Kazi Nazrul Islam, Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, and Swami Vivekananda, has always stood firm against divisive ideologies. According to Banerjee, Bengal’s cultural and spiritual heritage is rooted in pluralism, mutual respect, and shared identity—values that she believes are essential to safeguarding peace in the present environment. “This soil has never bowed its head to division, nor will it in the days to come,” she declared.

Banerjee went on to emphasise the essence of Bengal’s inclusive culture, asserting that communities in the state have long embraced the philosophy of living and celebrating together. “Hindu, Muslim, Sikh, Christian, Jain, Buddhist — in Bengal, we all know how to walk shoulder to shoulder. We share our joys. Because we believe that religion belongs to each, but festivals belong to all,” she said. This sentiment, frequently echoed in her public addresses, reflects her continued insistence that Bengal’s identity is built on the spirit of unity.

Although she refrained from naming any political rival or group, Banerjee warned against forces that she said are attempting to incite communal unrest. Her remarks carried a clear message that any effort to sow discord in the state would be firmly countered. “Those who are reveling in the game of igniting the fire of communalism to destroy the country, our fight against them will continue. Let everyone maintain peace and harmony,” she said, calling on citizens to avoid provocations and ensure that Bengal remains calm.

The Chief Minister’s appeal comes at a time when Murshidabad district is experiencing rising tensions due to suspended Trinamool Congress MLA Humayun Kabir’s plan to lay the foundation stone for a mosque modelled on the Babri Masjid. Kabir, who has had a contentious relationship with the party leadership in recent months, has continued with the preparations despite objections from the Trinamool Congress. His insistence has led to his suspension from the party, but he has remained defiant, stating that the ceremony will proceed as planned and that he intends to launch his own political party later in the month.

Kabir has claimed that nearly three lakh people may gather in Beldanga for the ceremony. The choice of date—December 6—and the symbolic nature of the architectural model have drawn criticism from several quarters, including within his former party. Many political observers believe the timing of the event, combined with the sensitivities associated with the Babri Masjid, has exacerbated the controversy surrounding the project. Murshidabad, known for its complex communal balance, has historically been susceptible to religious mobilisation, making the situation even more delicate.

In response to the growing concerns, authorities have imposed extensive security measures across the area. The site near National Highway 12 has been sealed, with increased deployment of the Rapid Action Force, district police, and central paramilitary forces. Both sides of the highway are being monitored closely to prevent any untoward incidents. Security forces have been instructed to remain on high alert, given the anticipated crowd and the sensitive nature of the event.

The Calcutta High Court, which heard a petition seeking a stay on the event, declined to intervene at this stage. However, the court made it clear that maintaining law and order would be the responsibility of the state administration. This directive has placed additional pressure on the government, which is now preparing for a scenario that could quickly escalate if not handled with caution.

Political analysts note that the unfolding situation marks one of the tensest moments in recent months for West Bengal. They point out that the current controversy has the potential to influence political narratives, especially given Kabir’s recent fallout with the ruling party and his attempt to position himself independently. His decision to proceed with the ceremony is being interpreted by some as a calculated political move aimed at mobilising particular sections of the local population.

Meanwhile, Banerjee’s message serves as a counterpoint to these developments. By centering her remarks on unity and Bengal’s pluralistic ethos, she aims to shift focus away from polarising rhetoric. Her statement is consistent with her broader political stance, which seeks to reinforce West Bengal as a state committed to secular values and harmonious coexistence. At a time when tensions are high, her appeal is intended to reassure the public and prevent the situation from spiralling further.

Residents across Murshidabad and neighbouring districts are closely following updates as security agencies work to ensure that the ceremony proceeds without incident. The atmosphere in Beldanga has become noticeably tense, with market areas quieter than usual and local community leaders engaging in discussions to maintain peace at the grassroots level.

As West Bengal prepares for a sensitive weekend, Banerjee’s call for unity resonates as an effort to guide public sentiment toward restraint and mutual respect. Whether her message will be enough to counter the rising political and emotional currents surrounding the event remains to be seen. However, her intervention underscores the pivotal role of leadership in navigating moments of communal tension and safeguarding the values that define a diverse society.

With the ceremony set to unfold under heavy security, the coming days will be critical in determining how the situation shapes the political landscape of Murshidabad—and the broader conversation around communal harmony in the state.