RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat has raised sharp questions over the proposed reconstruction of the Babri Masjid in West Bengal, calling it a political exercise aimed at votes and warning that reopening old disputes helps neither Hindus nor Muslims.
Bhagwat calls Babri Masjid reconstruction move vote driven.
Kolkata: A fresh political and ideological debate has emerged in West Bengal after the foundation stone for a proposed Babri Masjid structure was laid in Murshidabad. The move has drawn strong reactions across the political spectrum, with Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh chief Mohan Bhagwat describing the development as an attempt to revive an old dispute for electoral gains rather than public welfare.
Speaking in Kolkata, Bhagwat argued that reopening sensitive religious issues risks social harmony and offers no real benefit to any community. According to him, such steps only deepen divisions and distract from genuine development concerns.
Mohan Bhagwat stated that the initiative to rebuild the Babri Masjid is part of a deliberate political strategy. He remarked that the effort appears aimed at mobilising votes instead of addressing the needs of people on the ground. In his view, restarting a dispute that has already gone through legal resolution does not serve the interests of either Hindus or Muslims.
He emphasised that reopening historical religious controversies for political mileage creates unnecessary tension and undermines long term social cohesion. Bhagwat added that society must move forward rather than revisit conflicts rooted in the past.
The controversy began when a suspended Trinamool Congress leader and legislator laid the foundation stone for the proposed mosque in Murshidabad on December 6. The leader justified the act by citing constitutional provisions that allow citizens to construct places of worship. He also announced a large scale project plan, stating that the mosque complex would include facilities such as a hospital, guesthouse and meeting hall.
The legislator publicly reaffirmed his commitment to the project, declaring that legal challenges would not deter the construction. His remarks linked the proposed structure to the demolished Babri Masjid in Ayodhya, further intensifying political reactions.
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Bhagwat also reiterated his long standing position that governments should not fund religious structures. He cited historical examples to underline his point, noting that major temples were built through public contributions rather than state finances. According to him, the principle of separating government resources from religious construction is essential in a diverse society.
He recalled that even when national leaders attended inaugurations of important religious sites, the funding came from the people. In his view, this tradition respects both faith and constitutional boundaries.
Drawing a parallel with the Ram Mandir, Bhagwat explained that its construction followed a Supreme Court verdict and relied entirely on public donations. The government, he said, only facilitated the formation of a trust as directed by the court and did not finance the project.
By highlighting this example, Bhagwat stressed that faith driven initiatives should remain voluntary and community supported rather than politically driven or state sponsored.
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Bhagwat made these remarks while addressing an RSS programme in Kolkata as part of the organisation’s centenary lecture series. The event was attended by several prominent figures and aimed to reflect on the role of society, culture and national unity.
His comments on the Babri Masjid proposal were framed within a broader appeal for social harmony and responsible leadership. Bhagwat urged political actors to avoid actions that could reopen wounds and instead focus on inclusive development.
