Kolkata Airport Mosque Row: BJP Alleges Bengal Govt's Vote Bank Politics Stall Runway Expansion
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{ "title": "Kolkata Airport Mosque Row: BJP Alleges Bengal Govt's Vote Bank Politics Stall Runway Expansion", "article": "A contentious issue has surfaced at Kolkata Airport, where a mosque is located in the operational area, stalling the runway expansion. Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar has expressed security concerns, suggesting the mosque's relocation would be a more feasible solution. Majumdar alleged that the West Bengal government is hesitant to take action due to potential electoral implications. According to Majumdar, the mosque's presence near the runway poses a significant risk. He pointed out that similar mosques have been relocated in other countries, citing the United Arab Emirates as an example. The minister emphasized that a mosque is a place of worship, and its relocation should not be a contentious issue. The West Bengal government's reluctance to address the issue has sparked controversy, particularly ahead of the 2026 assembly elections. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss preparations for the upcoming polls. Modi emphasized the need for clear communication and public outreach to counter the challenges faced by the party in the state. The 2026 assembly elections are scheduled to take place in Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, and Puducherry. The first election will be held in Assam, which has 126 assembly seats, followed by Kerala with 140, Tamil Nadu with 234, West Bengal with 294, and Puducherry with 30 assembly seats."
