New Delhi, Dec 22 (NationPress) The BJP has accused the Trinamool Congress of exploiting religious sentiments for political advantage just before the upcoming Assembly elections next year.

This accusation follows the announcement from Trinamool MLA Zakir Hussain about the construction of a Shri Krishna temple with an estimated budget of Rs one crore. Previously, another suspended MLA from the party had declared plans for a Babri mosque, a replica of the one in Ayodhya that was destroyed in 1992.

BJP leader Gourav Vallabh commented to IANS, stating that the timing of these declarations highlights the Trinamool Congress’ approach of mingling politics and faith.

“Initially, one Trinamool Congress member announced the construction of a Babri Masjid, only to be removed afterward. Now, another leader proposes a Shri Krishna temple. Who knows what’s next? This pattern indicates that the Trinamool Congress is trying to utilize religion for electoral gains,” Vallabh remarked.

He further criticized the ruling party for neglecting crucial issues in recent years.

“For the past four years, they have done nothing for the citizens. Instead, they have supported rapists and overlooked justice. Now, right before elections, they’re suddenly focused on temples and mosques. What were they up to before? Such remarks only incite religious tensions and fracture society,” he added.

BJP MP Manan Kumar Mishra also expressed discontent, questioning why such religious matters are being brought up at this moment.

“Why now? What temples are they planning to build? Anyone genuinely wishing to construct a temple can do so independently. In West Bengal, however, politics has become entwined with temples and mosques as elections approach. This is a calculated move to polarize voters. They think merely mentioning temples will guarantee Hindu votes,” he stated.

BJP leader Raj Purohit criticized the feasibility of building a temple with a mere one crore budget. “One crore is insufficient even for installing a deity. A grand temple for Krishna would require around Rs 20,000 crore. This is India, where Krishna and Ram reign. Those who reminisce about the Babri Masjid should come to terms with its obliteration,” he asserted.

Opposition leaders also shared their views, albeit more cautiously. Congress leader Udit Raj emphasized that the party does not wish to engage in religious discussions.

“If someone wants to construct a temple or mosque, let them proceed. The nation's priority should be human development—jobs, reservations, and quality education for Dalits and backward communities. We must not be sidetracked by religious structures,” he remarked.

Senior Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury stated that while there is no issue with individuals building places of worship, the use of public funds for this purpose is unacceptable.

“Constructing a temple or mosque is fine, but funding it with taxpayer money is out of the question,” he said.

Chowdhury also condemned the use of public funds for building religious replicas and new pilgrimage sites, calling such expenditures unnecessary.

Samajwadi Party MLA Ravidas Mehrotra added, “The Constitution allows individuals to build temples or mosques. If it’s on private property, there shouldn’t be any objections.”

Controversy arose when suspended Trinamool Congress MLA Humayun Kabir laid the foundation stone for a proposed Babri Masjid in Murshidabad on December 6. Kabir was suspended on December 4, 2025, after he publicly endorsed the mosque's construction.

Despite being suspended, Kabir reiterated his commitment on December 19, stating that the Babri Masjid would be built in Murshidabad within three years, asserting that no political pressure could hinder it. He indicated that work would commence in February and claimed that the project was fully prepared financially and logistically.