Donations pour in for Babri-Style Mosque in Murshidabad amid rising political tensions

Donations in the form of cash boxes, online transfers and public contributions are pouring in rapidly for a proposed mosque modeled on the demolished Babri Masjid. The project, led by suspended MLA Humayun Kabir, has triggered both strong community support and equally intense political controversy across Bengal.

On December 6, 2025 — the 33rd anniversary of the Babri Masjid demolition — Kabir laid the foundation stone for the mosque at Rejinagar–Beldanga in Murshidabad. The ceremony, held under tight security, followed days of legal and political drama. A petition before the Calcutta High Court seeking a stay on the event was declined, with the court directing the state government to ensure peace and law and order.

Massive donations, cash boxes and overnight counting

Organisers claim an overwhelming public response to the fundraising drive. According to their statements, close to ₹3 crore has already been raised through a mix of offline and online donations. Around ₹2.47 crore reportedly came via digital payments and QR-code transfers. Another ₹37–57 lakh was collected through physical donation boxes and cash offerings brought by supporters.

The surge in contributions led to scenes of large trunks of cash arriving at Kabir’s residence, where currency-counting machines were used under CCTV surveillance. A 30-member team reportedly worked through the night to tally the donations in what organisers described as an effort to maintain transparency.

Supporters have also started delivering bricks and construction materials, calling the mosque a symbol of faith and cultural assertion. Organisers claim that the response reflects community-wide enthusiasm for the project.

Political fallout and security concerns

The mosque plan has sparked a political storm in West Bengal. Humayun Kabir’s announcement — and his subsequent suspension by party leadership — has fueled allegations that the project is intended to stir communal sentiment ahead of elections. Several political leaders have accused the initiative of being a deliberate polarising move, especially given its symbolic reference to the Babri Masjid.

Law enforcement agencies had deployed Rapid Action Force (RAF) and central forces in the region ahead of the December 6 ceremony anticipating tensions. Although the event proceeded peacefully, officials remain on alert as fundraising activities and political reactions continue to escalate.

Unverified claims and questions ahead

While organisers cite nearly ₹3 crore collected so far, some claims — including suggestions of much larger donations, such as a single ₹80-crore contribution by an unidentified person — remain unverified.

The total estimated cost of the project is expected to be significantly higher than the current funds raised, and questions persist over how future donations will be accounted for, secured and audited. As scrutiny increases, observers note that transparency and legal compliance will remain central issues in the coming weeks.

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