Suspended Trinamool Congress legislator Humayun Kabir has formally entered the fray as an independent political force, announcing the launch of his new party, the Janata Unnayan Party (JUP). The move, set against the backdrop of escalating political tensions in West Bengal, signals a potential recalibration of alliances ahead of the crucial 2026 state assembly elections.
New Party with a Focus on the Marginalised
Kabir unveiled his political platform on Monday, December 22, 2025, in Beldanga. He stated that the core objective of the Janata Unnayan Party is to provide a robust platform for the marginalised communities across the state. The party's flag, which Kabir vowed would soon "fly across Bengal," was also revealed during the event.
The suspended MLA has proposed a table and twin roses as his preferred choices for the party's election symbol. This launch follows weeks of controversy after Kabir laid the foundation stone for a mosque in Murshidabad district on December 11, a project that sparked a significant communal row, drawing comparisons to the Babri Masjid dispute.
Alliance Talks and Kingmaker Ambitions
Positioning himself as a pivotal figure, Kabir has expressed openness to forming electoral alliances with key opposition parties. He has specifically named the CPI(M), the Congress, and the Indian Secular Front (ISF) as potential partners.
"I am inviting those who are against Mamata Banerjee and the BJP to join hands. I am ready to share seats," Kabir declared on Sunday. However, he added a caveat, warning that if any party acted as if it was "bigger than everyone," he would contest the elections alone, potentially fielding candidates in all 294 assembly seats.
Kabir's ambitions extend beyond mere participation. He has boldly predicted a fractured mandate in the 2026 polls, claiming that no single party will cross the 148-seat mark. Based on this calculation, he asserts he will emerge as the indispensable "kingmaker," with no government able to be formed without the support of his party's legislators. "Whoever goes to take oath as the chief minister will need the support of my party's MLAs," he told reporters.
Defiance and a Strategic U-Turn
The Trinamool Congress suspended Humayun Kabir on December 4 for repeatedly defying party discipline and making provocative statements, primarily linked to his mosque project. Following his suspension, Kabir had initially indicated he would resign from his legislative assembly seat.
However, in a sharp strategic reversal on Monday, he announced he would not step down as an MLA. Despite retaining his seat, he is proceeding with plans to build his new political outfit and explore pre-poll alliances. He claimed that CPI(M) state secretary Mohammed Salim is facilitating talks with the Congress, and there is a "strong possibility" of seat-sharing with the Congress and the Left Front in the Murshidabad region.
This development underscores the fluid and dynamic nature of West Bengal's political landscape, where regional satraps and new entrants can significantly influence electoral outcomes. Kabir's Janata Unnayan Party aims to carve out a space by mobilising marginalised votes and capitalising on anti-incumbency sentiments against both the TMC and the BJP, setting the stage for a multi-cornered contest in 2026.
