In a politically charged move, the West Bengal BJP's Murshidabad unit has announced plans to construct a Ram temple in Berhampore, following a proposal by TMC MLA Humayun Kabir to build a mosque in Beldanga, located in the same district. The BJP's proposed Ram temple, which will be modeled after the Ram temple in Ayodhya, is scheduled to begin construction on January 22, 2025, marking exactly one year after the inauguration of the Ayodhya temple.

Shakharav Sarkar, the BJP’s Berhampore organizational district president, stated that land for the temple has already been secured, and the estimated cost for the project is Rs 10 crore. The temple's construction is seen as a response to Kabir's announcement and is part of the BJP's strategy to strengthen its support among the Hindu community in Murshidabad, where minorities form around 75% of the population.

Kabir, the TMC MLA from Beldanga, had earlier proposed a mosque to honor the sentiments of the region's significant Muslim population, which has sparked a political controversy. Opposition parties, including the Congress, have accused Kabir of attempting to polarize communities for political gain. In response, the TMC distanced itself from Kabir's remarks, calling them his personal opinion.

This controversy highlights the sensitive political dynamics in Murshidabad and is expected to shape the upcoming political landscape in West Bengal.