Authorities in West Bengal have significantly ramped up security arrangements in Murshidabad district, anticipating a large and potentially volatile gathering for a foundation-laying ceremony organized by suspended Trinamool Congress (TMC) legislator Humayun Kabir. The event, scheduled for Saturday, has drawn administrative scrutiny and a massive police deployment due to its expected scale.
Preparations and Grand Scale of the Event
Despite his suspension from the ruling party on Thursday for actions deemed embarrassing, Kabir appears undeterred. He confidently addressed reporters, stating, "All is well" and confirming full cooperation from the local and state police administration. The venue, spanning approximately 25 bighas of land near Moradighi off NH-12, has been transformed into a major worksite.
Kabir projected a massive turnout, claiming nearly 3 lakh people would assemble for the ceremony. The logistical preparations are on a grand scale. Organisers have hired seven catering agencies to cook shahi biryani for the crowd, preparing around 40,000 meal packets for guests and another 20,000 for local residents, pushing the food budget alone beyond Rs 30 lakh. The total event cost is estimated to reach between Rs 60 to 70 lakh.
A large dais, measuring 150 feet long and 80 feet wide and costing about Rs 10 lakh, has been erected over the paddy fields to seat around 400 special guests. Nearly 3,000 volunteers are managing the arrangements, with crowd movement and traffic regulation being key priorities.
International Guests and Tight Security Measures
Adding to the event's profile, Kabir announced that two qazis (Islamic clerics) from Saudi Arabia are expected to attend. They are slated to arrive in a special convoy from Kolkata airport on Saturday morning. Religious leaders from several Indian states have also confirmed their participation.
In response to the anticipated congregation, the district administration has expressed serious concerns, primarily focused on maintaining public order and ensuring the free flow of traffic on the crucial NH-12 highway. Acting on directives from the Calcutta High Court, police held discussions with Kabir's team to finalize arrangements.
A senior police officer revealed that close to 3,000 police personnel will be deployed across the Beldanga and Raninagar jurisdictions. "Our primary concern is keeping the national highway running. Extra forces have arrived from the headquarters. Multiple diversion plans are in place," the officer stated, highlighting that crowd control and preventing highway congestion are the biggest challenges.
Political Undertones and Community Sentiment
The event is widely seen as a test of Kabir's political influence and mobilisation capacity in the region, where religious symbolism and politics are deeply intertwined. Brushing aside his suspension and the political fallout, Kabir emphasized the community's sentiment, saying, "People will come because this is a historic moment for the area."
On the ground, local residents like Safiqul Islam from Uttar Barasat were seen actively contributing, carrying bricks for the mosque's construction. The ceremony is programmed to begin with Quran recitation at 10 am, followed by the foundation stone laying at noon. Kabir assured that the ground would be cleared by 4 pm as per police directives, aiming to conclude the event within a controlled timeframe.
As Saturday approaches, the district remains on high alert, with the event poised to be a significant moment reflecting the complex interplay of faith, politics, and administrative challenge in West Bengal.
