Bharatpur MLA and newly-formed Janata Unnayan Party chairman Humayun Kabir on Friday announced that construction of the proposed “Babri mosque” would begin from 10 February.
The announcement was made during his visit to Furfura Sharif, where he met the Pirzada amid growing political speculation following his exit from the Trinamul Congress. After forming his new party, Mr Kabir went to Furfura Sharif and declared both the date for the mosque construction and a major public rally at Kolkata’s Brigade Parade Ground.
Addressing the Media, the expelled TMC leader also launched a sharp attack on the ruling party, branding it “oppressive and corruption-ridden”. “I am not afraid of anyone, nor do I want anyone to be afraid of me,” Mr Kabir said. “Any political party, that wants the fall of this oppressive and corrupt Trinamul government, if they call me, I will go. If they come to me, I have no problem.”
Asked whether this indicated a possible understanding with the BJP, the MLA firmly ruled it out. “I have formed this party to defeat the BJP. So, there is no question of any alliance with them,” he said. On the possibility of aligning with the Left-Congress alliance, Mr Kabir remained guarded. “I will not say anything right now. It will be seen on the Brigade ground,” he remarked, hinting at a possible political surprise.
Elaborating on the proposed rally, Mr Kabir said a massive public meeting would be held at Brigade Parade Ground on Sunday, 1 February. He added that a defence officer had asked him to meet on Tuesday regarding permissions for the event. “All necessary documents have been submitted. I am hopeful there will be no problem in getting permission,” he said. When asked about the expected turnout, the MLA said, “My target is 10 lakh people. But I cannot count how many will actually come.”
He also indicated that the Brigade rally could witness a “big surprise”. On the mosque construction, Mr Kabir said work would begin on 10 February and had been entrusted to a private firm based in Bengaluru. “The construction will be completed within two years,” he added.