In a significant disciplinary action, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) on Thursday suspended its Bharatpur legislator, Humayun Kabir, for engaging in what the party termed "communal politics." The suspension prompted an immediate and defiant response from the rebel MLA, who announced his intention to float a new political party by December 22.
The Trigger and the Suspension
The decision came after Kabir publicly declared his plan to "lay the foundation of a Babri Masjid-style mosque in Murshidabad on December 6," a date that marks the anniversary of the Babri Masjid demolition. The party's ire was evident, and the suspension was formally communicated to Kabir when he arrived to attend Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's rally in Berhampore.
In Kolkata, senior minister and city mayor Firhad Hakim officially declared the suspension, stating the decision had the Chief Minister's approval. "Kabir was involved in communal politics, which TMC is strictly against. He will have no relation with the party from this moment," Hakim asserted. He emphasized that the Trinamool Congress does not believe in communal provocation, especially as the party works to maintain harmony ahead of next year's state assembly polls.
Mamata Banerjee's Veiled Rebuke
At the Berhampore rally, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed her anguish without directly naming the suspended MLA. Using metaphorical language, she said, "If one grain of rice rots, it needs to be removed, otherwise the rest will spoil... There are some insects and pests. They will be there. But when we spot them, we remove them."
Stressing on communal unity, Banerjee added, "Hindus and Muslims will live in unity here." She invoked the pluralistic history of Murshidabad, a minority-dominated district, reminding the audience of Nawab Siraj-ud-Daulah and stating that the people of the region would not accept the politics of riots. She also warned against political betrayers who take money from the BJP before elections, labeling them as enemies of the people.
Kabir's Defiant Retort and Future Plans
A defiant Humayun Kabir retaliated almost instantly, calling his suspension a "deliberate humiliation" and claiming he was conspired against. He announced his plan to resign as an MLA, likely on Friday or the following Monday, and launch his own political party.
Kabir remains steadfast on his December 6 programme, warning that lakhs of people would attend and that NH-12 could be blocked if the administration tries to stop the event. He said he was prepared to be arrested or even killed for the cause, expressing full faith in the judiciary. His new party, he claimed, would contest 135 seats in West Bengal during the 2026 elections.
Broader Implications for TMC and Bengal Politics
The suspension highlights the Trinamool Congress's attempt to tightly control its narrative and public image regarding communal harmony ahead of crucial elections. By taking swift action against Kabir, the leadership aims to project a firm stance against any rhetoric that could polarize the electorate.
Firhad Hakim, who is also a mutawalli (trustee) of a Kolkata mosque, underlined the party's discomfort, stating, "Anyone can build a mosque. But there must be no communal provocation. The way religious sentiments are being stirred is unacceptable for a responsible political party."
The episode sets the stage for a new political challenge in Murshidabad, with a suspended but determined MLA vowing to carve his own path, potentially impacting the political equations in the region.
