Murshidabad, Dec 28 (NationPress) Humayun Kabir, a suspended leader of the Trinamool Congress and MLA from Bharatpur, expressed in an interview with IANS on Sunday that he is prepared to take action if anyone stirs unrest regarding his initiative to construct a Babri Masjid in Murshidabad, West Bengal.

Highlighting his lack of fear, Kabir noted that Murshidabad boasts a 72 percent Muslim demographic, in contrast to Ayodhya, where he claims a significantly smaller Muslim presence exists. He questioned the basis for opposition to his plan for the mosque in this area.

On the topic of his political aspirations, Kabir revealed that his Janata Unnayan Party (JUP) intends to run in 182 seats during the upcoming Bengal Assembly elections and is keen on forming alliances with Asaduddin Owaisi's AIMIM and Naushad Siddiqui's Indian Secular Front (ISF).

Here are the complete excerpts from the interview:

IANS: Some individuals are against the building of the Babri Masjid in Murshidabad. What is your perspective?

Humayun Kabir: Look, the Babri Masjid was demolished 33 years ago. The Supreme Court ruled on this, but it did not state that a Babri Masjid cannot be erected anywhere in India. In fact, they provided 5 acres of land for constructing the mosque elsewhere.

However, the low Muslim population in that region hindered the construction. In Bengal, the Muslim population stands at 37 percent, with Murshidabad at 72 percent. Thus, I fail to see the issue with building a mosque here.

I have no intention of causing trouble or of being troubled myself. It is my right to build a mosque and to name it. For instance, if a boy is born in my household, I decide what to name him. Similarly, I'm constructing a mosque and have chosen its name. I do not comprehend why others find this problematic.

IANS: Do you believe some groups are attempting to mislead the public?

Humayun Kabir: Yes, some individuals are trying to incite unrest unnecessarily. If provoked, I will respond appropriately. Therefore, it is crucial that no one attempts to stir trouble, and no one should feel afraid. I am not one to cower.

IANS: What is your vision for this mosque project?

Humayun Kabir: I have assigned this task to a company responsible for the mosque's design and dimensions. They will also handle any necessary government approvals. An engineering team is currently on-site, and it should take about a month for them to finalize their work. I aim to commence construction before February 15.

IANS: Considering Asaduddin Owaisi, Naushad Siddiqui, and your emergence as a leader for the Muslim community, do you foresee a potential alliance?

Humayun Kabir: I am working to unite all three of us. They are reputable individuals; Owaisi is a Member of Parliament, while Naushad Siddiqui is akin to a son to me and also an MLA. Together, we can ensure that Muslims in Bengal receive the freedom they deserve.

IANS: You have been active in politics in this district for 43 years. In Murshidabad, there are 22 MLAs: two from the BJP and 20 from Trinamool, yet none of the Trinamool MLAs from this area have been appointed ministers despite the district's substantial Muslim demographic. What is your expectation for the elections?

Humayun Kabir: If I collaborate with Naushad Siddiqui and Owaisi's party, I believe we can secure 17 out of 22 seats in Murshidabad. In the neighboring district of Malda, there are around 10-12 seats. In Uttar Dinajpur, we expect to win six out of nine seats.

I will also field candidates in North Bengal, including Cooch Behar, Mathabhanga, Tufanganj, and others, and aim for victories there as well. We plan to contest in South 24 Parganas, North 24 Parganas, Howrah, Hooghly, East Midnapore, West Midnapore, Paschim Bardhaman, Uttar Bardhaman, Birbhum, and in Birbhum's Siuri, Rampurhat, Nalhati, Bolpur, and Ketugram.

IANS: If leaders from other parties, including Trinamool Congress, wish to join your party, will you welcome them?

Humayun Kabir: My party is open to all. I would gladly welcome anyone who wishes to join. I encourage everyone to come forward and claim their rights. The Muslims have been deceived for too long—during the 34 years of the Left Front government and the 14 years under Mamata Banerjee. Now is the time for Muslims to assert themselves.

IANS: Do you foresee changes in Bengal soon?

Humayun Kabir: Change is inevitable. Just wait and see! Muslims have never been subservient to anyone; they should only be subservient to Allah. I will proclaim this everywhere.

IANS: Your rise in popularity has led to numerous invitations to events across the state. What are your thoughts?

Humayun Kabir: I am thankful to Allah. I have been invited to various places where there is a Muslim presence, and people have shown me immense love and respect. I strive to meet everyone. I am receiving invitations to religious gatherings and community events, and I am committed to attending. This is all Allah's grace, for which I am profoundly grateful.

Regardless of the distance, if I receive an invitation, I will do my utmost to attend. I plan to use a helicopter to reach as many areas of West Bengal as possible in the coming days.

In the near future, I aim to conduct more than three rallies a day. My goal is to ensure the success of my party's candidates and gather votes for them as I travel throughout Bengal for the next two and a half months.