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Airport Mosque Row: Why Bengal's 'Votebank' Politics Raises Security Alarms

Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar has raised serious concerns about a mosque located within Kolkata Airport's operational area. He alleges this structure is hindering runway expansion and poses a security risk. Majumdar directly accused the West Bengal government of avoiding necessary action due to votebank politics. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Modi met with state BJP MPs to strategize for the upcoming 2026 assembly elections.

Key Points: Sukanta Majumdar Flags Kolkata Airport Mosque Security Risk

  • Union Minister flags security risks of a mosque near Kolkata airport's runway
  • Accuses West Bengal government of avoiding action for votebank considerations
  • Suggests relocation, citing examples like UAE, after discussion with authorities
  • PM Modi meets Bengal BJP MPs, stresses countering ground realities for 2026 polls
2 min read

Bengal govt avoiding action on airport mosque because of Vote Bank :Sukanta Majumdar

Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar claims a mosque stalls Kolkata airport expansion, accuses Bengal govt of inaction due to votebank politics. Read the full story.

"The Bengal government will not take action because it is their votebank... - Sukanta Majumdar"

New Delhi, December 3

Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar flagged security concerns over a mosque located in the operational area of Kolkata Airport, saying its presence has stalled runway expansion and should be relocated in consultation with the Airport Authority of India.

He alleged the West Bengal government was avoiding action due to "votebank" considerations.

Speaking to ANI, Majumdar said, "This is a long-standing demand. Because of this, the runway length is not being increased. Having a masjid at a place as sensitive as the airport, that too near the runway, is worrying. Masjid can be moved to another place, as is done in the UAE. A masjid is a place where you offer namaz, unlike a temple, where an idol is consecrated. If the masjid committee thinks about the country, they should have a discussion with the Airport Authority of India. A new masjid can be built elsewhere... The Bengal government will not take action because it is their votebank..."

Meanwhile, West Bengal BJP MPs met Prime Minister Narendra Modi today to discuss preparations for the 2026 elections.

Earlier today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met West Bengal BJP MPs in Parliament. He said the current situation in the state requires clear communication and public outreach, and the party must strongly counter what is happening on the ground, sources said.

Regarding preparations for 2026, the PM asked MPs to begin preparing detailed presentations and ensure complete groundwork for upcoming political planning and mobilisation.

The Prime Minister told BJP MPs from West Bengal that incidents like the assault on MP Khagen Murmu must be highlighted effectively so that people understand the violence attributed to the TMC.

Assembly elections are scheduled to be held in Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, and Puducherry in 2026. The first election will be held in Assam. Assam has 126 assembly seats, Kerala has 140, Tamil Nadu has 234, West Bengal has 294, and the union territory of Puducherry has 30 assembly seats.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Why bring religion into infrastructure? The comparison with a temple feels unnecessary and divisive. The issue is about land use at a sensitive facility. Let AAI and the community find a practical way forward.
R
Rohit P
Typical political blame game before elections. Both sides are playing their cards. The real question is: has the state govt or AAI officially proposed a relocation plan with proper compensation? Or is it just talk?
S
Sarah B
As a frequent traveler from Kolkata, runway expansion is crucial for better connectivity and safety. If there's a structure in the way, it needs to be addressed, regardless of what it is. Hope sense prevails. ✈️
V
Vikram M
The "votebank" accusation is lazy politics. The Bengal government should clarify its stance. Airport security is non-negotiable. A win-win solution is possible if there's genuine will, not just election rhetoric.
K
Karthik V
This has been pending for years! It's holding back Kolkata's development. The committee should indeed come forward for talks. Building a new, better mosque elsewhere seems like a fair deal for everyone involved.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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