Suvendu Adhikari Backs Kolkata Airport Mosque Relocation, Cites National Security
BJP leader says airport security must take priority as political parties clash over the proposed relocation of the historic Bankra Mosque.
The Cheif Minister of west Bangal Suvendu Adhikari, has defended the proposed relocation of the Bankra Mosque near Kolkata’s Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, saying that national security must take precedence over all other considerations.
Speaking to reporters on Monday, Adhikari said the airport is a strategically important installation because of its proximity to international borders and stressed that unrestricted public access to such a facility cannot be allowed.
He said the security of the airport and the nation should remain the highest priority, adding that the government has not prevented anyone from practising their religion. Adhikari also stated that festivals such as Bakrid and Muharram were observed peacefully while following the law, and urged people to practise their faith without violating legal or security norms.
The controversy follows the suspension of entry passes for congregational prayers at the Gouripur Jama Masjid, popularly known as the Bankra Mosque, located within the airport premises. Airport authorities said prayers were temporarily suspended for three days from Saturday to allow renovation work.
The mosque, believed to be more than 130 years old, predates the airport and is situated around 165 metres from the airport’s secondary runway.
Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar also supported the relocation, saying the mosque’s presence has long affected airport expansion and security. He alleged that previous governments avoided addressing the issue because of what he described as appeasement politics.
On the other hand, Trinamool Congress MP Sougata Roy opposed the indefinite suspension of access and the proposed relocation. He said any decision regarding the mosque should be taken only after consulting the local Muslim community.
According to aviation authorities, the mosque’s location has created operational challenges by limiting runway expansion and delaying the installation of advanced Instrument Landing Systems, which are important for improving flight safety and airport operations.
The issue has triggered a fresh political confrontation in West Bengal, with the BJP defending the move on security grounds and the Trinamool Congress calling for a solution through dialogue and community consent.