Suspended Trinamool Congress (TMC) MLA Humayun Kabir has triggered an intense political, legal, and communal storm in West Bengal after insisting he will proceed with his plan to lay the foundation stone for what he calls a “Babri Masjid” in Murshidabad on December 6—the date associated with the demolition of the Babri Masjid in Ayodhya. The move has been condemned by the ruling party, drawn sharp criticism from chief minister Mamata Banerjee, and prompted the deployment of heavy security forces. Yet, Kabir remains firm that his programme “will be done”, regardless of consequences.

Kabir’s announcement comes just two days after the TMC suspended him for alleged anti-party activities. The party leadership claimed his remarks and actions were aimed at provoking communal sentiments at a time when West Bengal is preparing for the upcoming Assembly elections. Despite this suspension, Kabir has refused to step back. He has stated that a Quran recitation session will be held for two hours beginning at noon on December 6, after which he intends to lay the foundation stone for the proposed mosque.

The announcement immediately placed him at odds with the TMC’s official stance. While the ruling party has often portrayed itself as protective of minority interests, it has also repeatedly emphasised that it firmly opposes communal politics. Mamata Banerjee did not name Kabir directly but launched a scathing attack during a public address, calling him a “Mirzafar-gaddar”—a reference to the historical figure synonymous with betrayal. She alleged that Kabir had “taken money from the BJP” to foment unrest and disturb communal harmony. This charged accusation signalled a complete and public fracture between the suspended MLA and his former party.

TMC minister Firhad Hakim, speaking on behalf of the party’s disciplinary committee, formally announced Kabir’s suspension. He said the chief minister had personally approved the decision. According to Hakim, Kabir had crossed a line by engaging in communal provocations, behaviour that the TMC views as unacceptable. He stressed that maintaining peace and stability ahead of the upcoming polls is the party’s priority, and Kabir’s rhetoric was in direct opposition to that effort. Hakim also underscored the seriousness with which the party takes such matters, noting that even though he himself is a mutawalli of a mosque, he found Kabir’s remarks irresponsible and damaging.

Far from backing down, Kabir responded with defiance. Speaking to reporters, he declared that he would resign as MLA, form a new political party later in the month, and continue with the foundation-laying ceremony even if it meant risking arrest or death. His statements have added further tension to an already volatile situation. Kabir insists that the planned mosque is meant to be a symbolic act and has denied any intention to provoke violence, but his timing and choice of date have elevated the political and communal stakes dramatically.

As the situation escalated, a petition was filed before the Calcutta High Court seeking intervention in the matter. However, the division bench led by acting Chief Justice Sujoy Paul refused to interfere. The court stated that the responsibility for maintaining peace and order rested with the state government. In effect, the judiciary stepped aside and placed full accountability on the administration. This decision reinforced the state government’s authority to act as it sees fit but also placed the burden of preventing possible unrest squarely on the shoulders of law enforcement.

In its submission to the court, the West Bengal government assured that appropriate steps were already being taken to ensure law and order. Officials confirmed that sufficient security forces had been deployed in Murshidabad and neighbouring regions in anticipation of potential unrest. The state’s security apparatus has been working in close coordination with central forces, and the Union government informed the court that 19 companies of central paramilitary personnel had been stationed in the region. This unusually large deployment reflects the seriousness with which both governments are approaching the situation.

With tensions escalating, political observers note that Kabir’s move appears designed to test the TMC’s internal discipline, appeal to specific voter groups, and perhaps carve out a new political identity for himself outside the party. Some see this as a strategic attempt to exploit existing communal sensitivities. Others interpret it as a personal act of rebellion following deteriorating relations with the leadership. What remains indisputable, however, is that his announcement has placed West Bengal at risk of heightened religious tensions at a politically sensitive time.

The TMC’s criticism of Kabir also highlights a broader political strategy. As Assembly elections approach, the ruling party has become increasingly cautious about avoiding incidents that could fuel communal polarisation. While the BJP has consistently accused the TMC of minority appeasement, Mamata Banerjee has tried to portray her party as the guardian of peace and inclusivity. In this context, Kabir’s statements are viewed by the ruling party as an attempt to sabotage this narrative and provoke instability that could benefit opposition forces.

Kabir, on the other hand, has attempted to frame the issue as one of religious freedom and community sentiment. He argues that his plan does not violate any law and that constructing a place of worship should not be politicised. Yet, critics argue that choosing December 6—the highly sensitive anniversary of the Babri Masjid demolition—is a deliberate provocation, not an act of religious devotion. Many political analysts believe the controversy is likely to deepen polarisation in Murshidabad and surrounding regions in the coming days.

While the Calcutta High Court has refused to intervene directly, the state remains alert to the possibility of protests, clashes, or attempts by political groups to exploit the situation. The deployment of security forces, both state and central, reflects a cautious readiness to prevent escalation. Officials remain wary that even a minor incident could snowball into a larger confrontation, particularly given the emotionally charged symbolism associated with the Babri Masjid.

As events continue to unfold, the coming days will determine whether Kabir’s planned programme proceeds and whether it ignites further political disputes or communal tensions. For now, West Bengal’s administration faces the dual challenge of safeguarding constitutional freedoms while ensuring public order in a fragile environment. Meanwhile, Kabir’s defiance has positioned him at the centre of a controversy that has both local and national implications, setting the stage for intense political developments as the December 6 date approaches.