Suvendu Adhikari defends Kolkata airport mosque removal, cites national security

West Bengal Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari on Monday defended the removal of a mosque located near Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, saying the decision was based on national security requirements and should not be viewed through a religious lens.

Addressing reporters, the BJP leader said infrastructure and security around airports are matters of national importance, adding that any structure found to be in violation of safety norms or security protocols must be dealt with in accordance with the law.

'National security comes first'

Adhikari argued that the issue should not be politicised and maintained that security considerations must take precedence over all other factors.

According to him, areas surrounding airports are subject to strict regulations because of aviation safety and strategic concerns. He said any action taken by the authorities should be assessed on the basis of legal and security requirements rather than religious identity.

The BJP leader also alleged that attempts were being made to portray the issue as one targeting a particular community, a claim he rejected.

Political reactions

The demolition has triggered sharp political reactions in West Bengal, with opposition parties and community representatives questioning the circumstances under which the structure was removed.

Leaders from the ruling All India Trinamool Congress criticised the BJP's stance, accusing it of attempting to polarise the issue. They argued that any action involving a place of worship should follow due legal process and be carried out with sensitivity.

The BJP, however, has maintained that the matter relates to compliance with security norms and administrative decisions taken by the concerned authorities.

Security around airports

Civil aviation infrastructure in India is governed by strict security guidelines, particularly around airport premises where construction and land use are regulated to minimise operational and security risks.

Authorities periodically review encroachments or unauthorised structures located within restricted or sensitive zones. Any action involving demolition or relocation is generally undertaken after following applicable legal procedures and coordination among multiple agencies.

Debate over the issue

The controversy has once again highlighted the delicate balance between enforcing security regulations and addressing concerns surrounding religious structures.

Legal experts note that courts have consistently held that public safety and national security are legitimate grounds for administrative action, provided authorities act within the framework of the law and ensure due process.

The matter is expected to remain politically significant in West Bengal, where the BJP and the Trinamool Congress have frequently clashed over issues involving governance, security and religious sensitivities.

What happens next?

While the demolition has already taken place, political debate over the issue is likely to continue, with both sides expected to raise the matter in public forums.

Any legal challenge arising from the action will ultimately be decided by the courts, while the authorities continue to emphasise that security considerations remain paramount around critical infrastructure such as airports.