In a significant political development in West Bengal, Trinamool Congress MLA Humayun Kabir has officially announced his decision to break away from the ruling party and float a new political outfit. The announcement comes just months before the crucial Assembly polls, marking a fresh challenge for the TMC.
The Breaking Point: Allegations of Neglect
Kabir, who represents the Bharatpur constituency, declared that his new party will be formally launched on December 22. While he will serve as the party's chairman, the complete list of office-bearers will be revealed on the launch day. The MLA stated that the new entity will be introduced at a massive rally expected to draw around 50,000 supporters.
Speaking about his decision, Kabir expressed continued respect for Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, whom he affectionately calls "Didi," but lamented that the party's dynamics have drastically changed. "Even now, I have Abhishek Banerjee's picture in my DP, and I respect the chief minister a lot. But after she came to power, she has given importance to incompetent people and given positions to those who are good for nothing and ignored people like us," he told The Indian Express.
A Pattern of Discontent and Warnings
Kabir's departure follows a year of escalating tensions with the TMC leadership. He has faced multiple showcause notices and censure from the party for his public criticisms. Both Mamata Banerjee and TMC general secretary Abhishek Banerjee had previously warned him against making statements that embarrassed the party.
The MLA explained his previous hesitations, saying, "I had given a lot of ultimatums and warnings, but when the party supremo called me, I would take a step back, as I have always respected her. Though that has resulted in some losses for me as the common people who support me ask why I had backed out despite being right."
Murshidabad's Development Deficit
Central to Kabir's grievances is what he describes as the systematic neglect of Murshidabad district. He highlighted several unaddressed development issues, including a proposed bridge connecting Birbhum, Murshidabad, and Nadia districts that he has been advocating for four years.
"I had even submitted letters stating that in my district, a bridge is required to help the people of Birbhum, Murshidabad, and Nadia. The cost would be around Rs 30 crore. I have said this for four years, but she did not listen. Lakhs and crores of money are being spent in other sectors, but the bridge was not sanctioned. What will I tell the common man who voted for us?" Kabir questioned.
He contrasted this with projects like multipurpose buildings, temple constructions, and budgets for Gangasagar sadhus that have been approved elsewhere. "In these 14 years, what did the people of Murshidabad get?" he asked pointedly.
Political Marginalization and Future Implications
Kabir specifically questioned why Murshidabad, a Muslim-majority district that contributed significantly to TMC's electoral victories, has been consistently overlooked in terms of political representation. "Out of 22 seats, 19 seats are Muslim-led seats, and the people of Murshidabad gave it victory, but what has TMC given back to them?" he asked.
He highlighted the disparity in political appointments, noting that while everyone receives Lakshmir Bhandar benefits, local leaders haven't received ministerial berths or chairmanships. "We did not get chairmanship or ministerial berths even though we fought elections on the party symbol. But those joining the TMC after leaving the BJP are getting posts," Kabir stated.
The MLA warned that this neglect would have electoral consequences. "Someone should make the party realise this. So I decided that I would form a party with some of my people and win elections. When she needs us, we will be there. Right now, she does not realise what is right and what is wrong," he said.
Kabir believes that many party leaders and bureaucrats are misleading the chief minister. He cited the example of police conduct in Murshidabad, questioning whether reports about "atrocities" committed by current officers reach Mamata Banerjee. "How will she know? When she doesn't know, how will she rectify this?" he asked.
The new party's top body will include representatives from seven districts: Hooghly, Howrah, Burdwan, Nadia, Murshidabad, Uttar Dinajpur, and Cooch Behar. Kabir emphasized that the party would work for common people and drew parallels with TMC's own origins from the Congress, stating, "The TMC had broken away from the Congress, and the new party was then the need of the hour."
Kabir has had a turbulent political history, having been a Congress MLA for Rejinagar in 2011 before resigning in 2012. He was expelled from Trinamool for six years in 2015 for anti-party activities, contested as an independent in 2016, joined the BJP in 2018, lost the 2019 Lok Sabha elections from Murshidabad, and eventually rejoined TMC before winning the Assembly election from Bharatpur seat.
His latest move signals growing discontent within TMC ranks and could potentially impact the party's performance in the upcoming elections, particularly in the crucial Murshidabad region.
