Protesters in Dhaka are demanding action against BJP MLA Sourav Sikdar over his calls to relocate a mosque at Kolkata International Airport. Sikdar cites security and expansion plans for the proposed move, while the controversy has sparked political tension.
A dispute over the location of a mosque situated at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata has intensified, leading to demonstrations in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Protesters are targeting West Bengal BJP MLA Sourav Sikdar, who represents the Dum Dum North constituency, for his repeated advocacy to shift the structure from its current site.
Security and Operational Concerns Cited
MLA Sourav Sikdar has maintained that the mosque's current position within a high-security zone—frequently used for VIP flights—presents operational challenges. He claims that experts and pilots have expressed concerns regarding safety during adverse weather conditions. According to the legislator, relocating the mosque is a necessary step to facilitate long-term expansion plans for the airport, which is managed by the Airports Authority of India (AAI).
Political Tensions and Administrative Context
Sikdar has described the protests in Bangladesh as an attempt to intimidate him, noting that he has brought the matter to the attention of BJP leadership. He emphasized that the administration of the airport land falls under the jurisdiction of the Indian central government. Locally, the issue has fueled political friction in West Bengal, with Sikdar engaging in a public exchange with state minister Siddiqullah Chowdhury over the necessity and timing of the relocation. Sikdar has suggested that local political opponents may be linked to the escalation of the issue beyond India's borders.
Impact on Airport Expansion Plans
The mosque's relocation is part of a broader discussion regarding land use and modernization at Kolkata Airport. While supporters of the move point to security protocols and the need for expanded passenger infrastructure, the issue has become highly sensitive due to its religious and political implications. Prohibitory orders have been previously noted in the local area to manage gatherings and maintain order around the site.
Investors and stakeholders tracking airport infrastructure development will be monitoring how the AAI proceeds with its expansion projects in light of these local and international pressures. The primary monitorable remains the official progress of the airport's expansion timeline and whether administrative or legal resolutions can clear the way for planned construction activities without further social or political disruption.