In a dramatic political U-turn, the Janata Unnayan Party (JUP) led by Bharatpur MLA Humayun Kabir withdrew its candidate for the Ballygunge assembly seat, social media influencer Nisha Chatterjee, less than 24 hours after announcing her name. The party cited her "inappropriate social media posts" as the reason, plunging the new political outfit into controversy and prompting Chatterjee to threaten a defamation lawsuit.
The Swift Nomination and Sudden Withdrawal
The political rollercoaster began on Monday when Humayun Kabir, from a public rally, named Nisha Chatterjee as his party's candidate for the Ballygunge constituency. However, by Tuesday, Kabir made a complete reversal. Addressing reporters, he stated, "Her social media posts and mannerisms are inappropriate. They are completely unfit for her to step into a holy place like the Bengal assembly."
Kabir further announced that he would name a Muslim candidate for the Ballygunge seat within a week and revealed plans to meet with two local representatives to finalize the decision. This rapid change of heart has thrown the party's internal processes into the spotlight.
Candidate's Shock and Allegations of Defamation
Nisha Chatterjee, a graduate from Jogamaya Devi College in 2018 who gained popularity through TikTok videos, expressed shock and anger at the public dismissal. She claimed she was unaware she would be declared a candidate at the December 22 event, believing she was only being made a state committee member.
"I'm shocked as to how, within 24 hours, he felt my social media posts were vulgar," Chatterjee told reporters. She alleged that Kabir needed her substantial social media following to promote his new party. "In the morning, he has no problem with my posts, and in the evening, he feels the same posts are vulgar. I am an influencer. I earn my living from it. No one can just walk away damaging my reputation," she asserted.
Chatterjee revealed she has begun consulting lawyers to file a defamation case against Kabir for publicly maligning her. She also indicated she might consider contesting the upcoming assembly polls as an Independent candidate.
Secular Promise Questioned and Political Fallout
The incident has raised serious questions about the Janata Unnayan Party's founding principles. Chatterjee, who had joined believing it was a secular platform, now alleges hypocrisy. "He said he would announce a Muslim candidate for this seat, which means his party is not secular. He is trying to create a divide between Hindus and Muslims," she charged.
She highlighted the personal embarrassment caused to her and her family, stating her Hindu parents were unhappy with her candidacy announcement. The controversy has cast a shadow over Kabir's promise of forming a new, inclusive party, with the very public dispute threatening to undermine its credibility before it has fully launched.
This episode underscores the growing intersection of social media influence and traditional politics in India, and the potential pitfalls when these worlds collide. The coming days will reveal whether Kabir can salvage his party's image and who will ultimately be the Ballygunge candidate, while Chatterjee's legal threat looms large.
