Reacting to the proposed relocation of a more than 100-year-old mosque near Kolkata’s Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport’s secondary runway, the BJP emphasized the importance of not letting religion impede development and infrastructure growth.
BJP MLA Sourav Sikdar highlighted that the mosque’s current position is hindering airport runway expansion and raising safety concerns. He mentioned ongoing discussions with the mosque committee to find a mutually agreeable solution for the mosque’s relocation.
Sikdar stressed the necessity of the airport’s development and runway extension, citing Kolkata Airport’s significance as a major aviation hub in the country. He also called for cooperation from Muslim religious leaders and community representatives to support the relocation process without letting religion obstruct progress.
The West Bengal government is reportedly advancing plans to move the mosque, which has been a longstanding issue due to its impact on airport operations and expansion. Discussions on relocating the mosque, situated close to the airport’s runway, have gained momentum in recent months.
Successive governments have faced challenges regarding the mosque’s relocation, with historical significance and political sensitivity surrounding the issue. The mosque, older than the airport itself, has been a focal point of discussions related to airport expansion and modernization efforts over the years.
