Babri Masjid Community Tensions and Support Surround Proposed Mosque Project in Beldanga, Murshidabad
Beldanga, Murshidabad, West Bengal — A proposed mosque project in the town of Beldanga has recently drawn widespread attention, public debate, and large crowds of supporters, according to accounts circulating within the region. The initiative, reportedly associated with suspended TMC MLA Humayun Kabir, has become a point of political contention, social mobilization, and community-driven fundraising — reflecting the complex landscape of religious identity, local-level politics, and public sentiment in parts of India.
Although several political leaders and groups have expressed resistance, community members claim that efforts to halt the project have not succeeded. The conversation around the proposed mosque — widely referred to by supporters as the “Babri Masjid” project — has now reached international audiences through social media narratives and community networks.
Political Controversy and Local Disputes
According to local narratives, the involvement of suspended TMC MLA Humayun Kabir has added a political dimension to the ongoing discourse. Supporters allege that Kabir faced pressure from multiple political fronts attempting to prevent the project’s progress. These accounts suggest that the MLA’s participation ultimately led to his suspension from political responsibilities within his party.
Despite the reported political pushback, supporters claim that the project continued to move forward, bolstered by large crowds of local residents and community members from other parts of India. The project’s momentum has therefore evolved into what many locals describe as a symbol of determination, religious identity, and social solidarity.
Large-Scale Public Mobilization
Eyewitness accounts from residents indicate that a significant number of people gathered in Beldanga to express support for the proposed Babri Masjid project. Local organizers claim that nearly 400,000 (four lakh) people participated — coming not only from different districts of West Bengal but also from states across India.
According to community sources, even individuals reportedly arriving from abroad — including Saudi Arabia — visited the site to show symbolic support. These claims could not be independently verified, but they continue to circulate widely across social media platforms and regional communication channels.
Residents described scenes of thousands of people walking long distances on foot to participate. Many brought small donations, construction materials, or volunteered their labor — turning the event into a major community gathering.
Community Donations and the Sudden Surge in Funding
Supporters say that a trust fund was opened in the State Bank of India (SBI) to facilitate public donations for the proposed Babri Masjid construction project. According to local accounts, the fund received an unexpectedly high volume of contributions within just four hours, allegedly exceeding the initial transaction limits set for the account.
Community organizers claim that the bank advised them to temporarily halt the donation drive for the proposed Babri Masjid project until the transaction limits could be modified. After adjustments, supporters were encouraged to resume contributing. These developments, though not officially confirmed by banking authorities, have become a significant part of local community discussions.
Security Measures and Public Safety Concerns
Local media and public posts reported that the unprecedented crowd size created significant pressure on the district administration. To maintain order and ensure public safety, security forces, including local police and central forces, were reportedly deployed in large numbers.
Residents claim that parts of the National Highway NH-34, one of the region’s major transport arteries, experienced blockages for several kilometers — with some accounts suggesting disruptions stretching up to 35 km. Officials have not released an official statement confirming the extent of the disruption, but photographs and videos shared online show heavy crowd movement and traffic congestion.
Authorities were reportedly focused on preventing overcrowding, ensuring emergency access, and avoiding any communal tension in the area.
A Symbolic Battle for Supporters
For many supporters of the initiative, the project represents more than a construction effort; it has become a matter of pride, faith, and identity. Community members describe the participation as a “movement of unity”, expressing their emotional and spiritual connection to the proposed structure.
Some local Muslims claimed that even modest contributions — whether ₹10 or ₹100 — were considered part of a larger communal mission. Volunteers assisted with crowd management, food distribution, and first aid as people gathered throughout the day.
The phrase “a fight for prestige”, attributed to Humayun Kabir in multiple local reports.
