Mamata Banerjee urges minority unity as suspended TMC MLA Humayun Kabir launches new party ahead of assembly polls

Kolkata: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday urged the state’s minority community to remain united in support of the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC), warning against political divisions at a critical time ahead of the assembly elections.

Speaking at a meeting with TMC booth-level agents (BLAs) in the city, Banerjee appealed to the minority voters to remain steadfast and take a collective stand against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). “The BJP is trying to sow the seeds of division among you. You must stand united against them,” she emphasized.

The Chief Minister’s appeal comes in the wake of recent political developments involving suspended TMC MLA Humayun Kabir. Banerjee’s party had suspended Kabir over alleged anti-party activities, which included statements and actions perceived as against the communal harmony and the party’s ideology.

Among the issues cited were his comments on community matters and references to sensitive topics related to historical disputes like the Babri Masjid in Uttar Pradesh. In a significant move, Kabir officially announced the formation of his new party, the Janatar Unnayan Party, raising concerns within the TMC that the division could erode the Muslim vote bank that has traditionally supported the party.

Speaking at a public meeting in Beldanga, Kabir disclosed the names of eight candidates who would contest in the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections under his new party banner. He stated that he would personally contest from two constituencies – Reginagar in Murshidabad and Beldanga – and promised that the full list of candidates would be released soon.

Political analysts suggest that Kabir’s new party could split votes in constituencies with a significant minority population, potentially benefiting opposition parties such as the BJP. The timing of his announcement, just four months before the assembly elections, has heightened concerns among TMC leaders about the impact on the party’s electoral prospects.

Banerjee’s meeting with BLAs highlighted the party’s strategy to consolidate its support base at the grassroots level, emphasizing the importance of community solidarity. “Minorities should not be intimidated or divided. We must ensure that our collective voice counts in the upcoming elections,” the Chief Minister added, reiterating her call for unity.

With assembly elections approaching in 2026, the TMC is expected to intensify its outreach and mobilization efforts among minority communities to counter potential fragmentation and retain its traditional vote base, while opposition parties monitor the evolving political dynamics closely.

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