A simple case of mistaken identity has turned one Trinamool Congress MLA's phone into a donation hotline for a controversial mosque project he has nothing to do with. Humayun Kabir, the MLA from Debra in Paschim Medinipur, reports fielding around 200 calls in recent days from supporters across India and abroad, all eager to contribute to a Babri Masjid replica in Murshidabad—only they're dialing the wrong Humayun Kabir.​

The confusion stems from the suspended TMC MLA Humayun Kabir from Bharatpur, Murshidabad, who defied his party's December 4 suspension by laying the foundation stone for the mosque in Beldanga's Rejinagar on December 6. Promoting it via QR codes and public appeals as a symbol of healing from the 1992 Babri demolition, he claims constitutional backing and reports over Rs 1.3 crore raised already. Callers from Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and even overseas kept ringing the Debra MLA's number, assuming it led to the fundraiser 200 km away.​

The Debra MLA, a former IPS officer turned politician since 2021, has taken it in stride, politely clarifying the mix-up and redirecting donors on social media. In a Facebook post, he urged keeping places of worship out of politics, emphasizing communal harmony. Meanwhile, the project has ignited a political blaze: TMC leaders like Kolkata Mayor Firhad Hakim have distanced themselves, while BJP accuses it of polarization tactics ahead of elections. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee countered on X, invoking Bengal's legacy of unity from Tagore to Vivekananda.​

This phone frenzy highlights how viral social media campaigns and common names can blur lines in India's charged political landscape. As Murshidabad remains on edge, the incident underscores the risks of provocative religious projects in sensitive areas, echoing past flare-ups while adding a dash of unintended comedy. Authorities are monitoring the site amid reports of heavy security, with no major incidents so far.