Suspended TMC MLA Humayun Kabir revolts, challenges Mamata Banerjee; says she won’t be CM in 2026
Murshidabad (The Uttam Hindu): MLA Humayun Kabir, who courted controversy with his announcement of building a "Babri-like mosque" in West Bengal, has now openly launched a campaign against Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. Kabir's stance has become even more strident after being suspended from the Trinamool Congress (TMC). He has not only hinted at resigning from the TMC and forming his own party, but has also predicted that Mamata Banerjee will cease to be Chief Minister after the 2026 assembly elections.
Direct challenge to Mamata
Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Humayun Kabir launched a direct attack on the state CM. He said, the CM now has to become a 'former CM'. In 2026, she will not be the CM again. She will not take oath and will be called the former CM only. Kabir said that he will resign from the primary membership of TMC on Friday and if required, will announce his new party on December 22. He claims that his new organization will field its candidates in 135 out of 294 seats in the state in the 2026 assembly elections.
Foundation stone laying ceremony for mosque on December 6th, likely sparking confrontation
Humayun Kabir is standing by his statement that sparked the controversy. He has announced that he will lay the foundation stone for a mosque resembling the Babri Masjid in Beldanga, Murshidabad district, on December 6th (the anniversary of the Babri demolition). Officials say no permission has been granted for the event.
The MLA warned that millions of people would attend the foundation stone laying ceremony. He said, "If the administration tries to stop us, National Highway-12 (NH-12) could be blocked." He also said that if he is stopped, he will stage a sit-in protest and get arrested.
Suspension and allegations of a "conspiracy"
The TMC suspended Kabir from the party due to his mosque remarks and rebellious attitude. News of the suspension came while Kabir was sitting near the stage at the CM's anti-SIR rally in Baharampur, where he had been invited by the party.
Kabir called it a "deliberate insult" and a "conspiracy." He said, "I haven't received any official letter yet, but I will resign from the Assembly on Friday or Monday."
Party high command displeased
: According to sources, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is extremely upset with Humayun Kabir's statements. The TMC leadership has made it clear that the party does not support his statements. TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee also distanced himself from Kabir's decisions a day earlier.
It's worth noting that Humayun Kabir's political journey has been marked by party-hopping. He has been with the Congress, the TMC, and the BJP, and now he is once again preparing to forge his own path.