Kolkata, April 24
Union Home Minister Amit Shah has accused the ruling All India Trinamool Congress of allowing a suspended party leader to begin constructing a mosque in West Bengal modelled on the Babri Masjid in Ayodhya. Addressing election rallies in the state, Shah said the Bharatiya Janata Party would not permit such a structure to be built “as long as even one BJP worker is alive” in West Bengal. The remarks come amid a heated campaign in the state ahead of assembly elections, with Shah intensifying attacks on Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and her government over governance, law and order, and employment.
Shah also claimed that after the BJP comes to power, those involved in cattle smuggling would face strict punishment, adding that their “next three generations” would be deterred from such activities.
He said the election was crucial for what he described as freeing Bengal from “terror, riots and infiltrators,” and accused the current government of enabling illegal migration for political gain.
Referring to the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, Shah said its construction had been made possible after decades of political opposition, before adding that similar attempts in West Bengal would be resisted. He also alleged that former Trinamool MLA Humayun Kabir, now leading a separate political outfit after being suspended from the party, had initiated construction of a mosque project in Murshidabad district. Kabir has not publicly responded to the allegations in detail but has continued campaigning independently.
Shah further alleged corruption within the state government, including what he described as “cut money” practices and misuse of public funds. The Trinamool Congress has previously rejected similar accusations.
He promised that if the BJP came to power, it would recover allegedly misused funds and reopen closed industries to boost employment. Shah also announced plans for expanded healthcare coverage for low-income families.
On security issues, he warned of strict action against those involved in political violence and attacks on BJP workers, and urged voters to participate freely, citing the deployment of central security forces.
The Trinamool Congress has not yet formally responded to Shah’s latest remarks, but has in the past dismissed BJP allegations as politically motivated ahead of elections.
