BREAKING NEWS: Mamata Banerjee’s Temple Push Triggers BJP Attack Ahead of 2025 Bengal Election
New Delhi: A fresh political storm has erupted in West Bengal ahead of next year's Assembly election, as Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s decision to build new temples in key regions has drawn sharp criticism from the Bharatiya Janata Party. The opposition has accused the Trinamool Congress of attempting to “divide and rule” after one of its MLAs, Humayun Kabir, recently announced plans to build a mosque in Murshidabad district.
The developments have intensified political tensions in the state, with both parties accusing each other of playing religious politics just months before voters return to the polls.
The controversy began earlier this week when Trinamool MLA Humayun Kabir declared that he would lay the foundation stone for a new mosque in Murshidabad on December 6. The date is sensitive because it marks 33 years since the demolition of the Babri Masjid in Ayodhya in 1992.
Following Kabir’s announcement, on Tuesday, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee led a public march in Kolkata against revisions in the electoral rolls for 2026. During the march, she confirmed the construction of a Durga temple in New Town, with work likely to begin by the end of January. She also reiterated her earlier commitment to build a Mahakal temple dedicated to Lord Shiva in Siliguri, a region where the BJP has traditionally performed strongly.
Within hours, BJP leaders responded sharply, accusing the ruling party of using religious structures as political tools.
Eyewitness Impressions and On-Ground Reactions
Residents in Kolkata’s New Town area said the announcement caught them by surprise, even though a temple construction plan had been mentioned earlier by local leaders. Many people who joined Mamata Banerjee’s march described a charged yet peaceful environment, with thousands walking alongside senior Trinamool leaders.
In Murshidabad, locals gathered near the proposed mosque site told reporters that conversations about the structure had been circulating for several weeks. Some said Kabir’s speech had sparked debates within the district, while others insisted the plan had no direct electoral connection.
Though no major disturbances were reported in either location, police were seen monitoring both areas closely, especially after BJP leaders accused the state government of stoking “religious divisions.”
Statements from Key Figures
Roopa Ganguly, former BJP Rajya Sabha MP, was one of the first to respond. Speaking to NDTV, she criticised Mamata Banerjee’s temple project, saying the Trinamool chief was “trying to influence Hindus and Muslims at the same time” and accused her of practising a “divisive policy.”
She said:
“Here, again, is her divisive policy. She will talk about temples and her team members will talk about mosques. This is a political strategy.”
Ganguly also claimed Mamata Banerjee was expecting an intense political attack from the BJP and was attempting to pre-empt it by appealing to multiple religious groups.
Meanwhile, Humayun Kabir, the MLA at the centre of the mosque announcement, firmly denied any political motive. Speaking to reporters, he said the idea arose from the events of December 6, 1992, when the Babri Masjid was demolished.
“What I saw that day stayed in my mind. If I ever got the chance, I wanted to rebuild a mosque. I came to Murshidabad and found a place. This has nothing to do with elections.”
Kabir stressed that the project was based on personal conviction and community demand.
What the Government Has Planned
The West Bengal Assembly has already set aside 25 acres of land in Siliguri for the proposed Mahakal temple. The Durga temple in Kolkata’s New Town is expected to be built on land provided by the state urban development authorities.
Officials close to the Chief Minister say these temples are part of broader cultural infrastructure plans meant to boost tourism and celebrate Bengal’s religious heritage. They argue that no political motive should be attached to the announcement.
However, BJP leaders say the timing is too close to the 2025 Assembly election to be seen as coincidental.
Background: A History of Bitter Political Rivalry
The Trinamool Congress and the BJP have been engaged in a fierce political rivalry in West Bengal for nearly a decade. In the 2021 Assembly election, the BJP made a major push in the northern districts, winning 30 out of 54 seats. The Trinamool retained control of the rest of the state, finishing with 216 out of 294 seats.
Since then, both parties have been attempting to consolidate their vote bases. BJP leaders have repeatedly accused Mamata Banerjee of “appeasement politics,” alleging that she favours minority communities over Hindus. The Trinamool has dismissed these accusations as “misinformation” and claimed the BJP is attempting to polarise the state.
Religious disputes have been common during election seasons in West Bengal, with both parties frequently accusing each other of exploiting community sentiments.
Why This Matters
The latest developments matter for several reasons:
Locally, the northern districts—especially Siliguri—are considered a vital battleground for both parties. If the temple construction plan shifts even a small section of Hindu voters back toward the TMC, it could be decisive.
Nationally, West Bengal remains one of the biggest states where the BJP has not been able to secure a victory in Assembly elections. A fourth consecutive defeat would be a major political setback for the party.
Socially, the simultaneous discussion of building temples and mosques is raising concerns among civil society groups who fear a rise in religious polarisation. Many analysts believe both parties will step up identity-based politics as the election approaches.
Political Analysts Weigh In
Experts say Mamata Banerjee’s temple announcements signal a clear attempt to reconnect with Hindu voters in regions where the BJP has gained traction. At the same time, the MLA’s mosque announcement has sparked conversations about internal messaging within the Trinamool.
Analysts note that both developments—temple proposals and mosque announcements—are likely to become central talking points in the coming months. Many expect the BJP to intensify its attacks while the Trinamool tries to showcase its “inclusive development” message.
Final Thoughts from TheTrendingPeople.com
West Bengal’s political landscape is once again heating up, and the events of this week show how religion continues to shape electoral conversations in the state. Whether the construction of temples or the proposal of a new mosque will influence voters remains to be seen, but the timing clearly places these developments in the heart of Bengal’s high-stakes campaign season. As both parties sharpen their narratives, it is important for citizens to stay informed, avoid misinformation, and focus on the actual issues that affect daily life. The months ahead are likely to bring even more intense political exchanges.