In a significant development in West Bengal's political landscape, suspended Trinamool Congress (TMC) legislator Humayun Kabir announced the formation of a new political party on Monday. The move is set to introduce a fresh player ahead of the crucial 2026 state Assembly elections.
A Party for the Common Man and Deprived Sections
Addressing the media, Kabir declared that his new outfit would be dedicated to working for the common man (aam aadmi) and the deprived sections of the Muslim community. He emphasized that the party's core mission is to address the issues faced by these groups, positioning itself as a voice for the marginalized.
"I am launching a new party at noon today. This party is being formed to work for the common man," Kabir stated clearly to reporters, outlining his primary objective.
Reactions to RSS and Allegations Against Mamata Banerjee
The suspended MLA also weighed in on national political discourse, specifically reacting to RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat's recent comments concerning the Babri Masjid issue. While expressing respect for Bhagwat, Kabir disagreed with the assessment that the matter could trigger unrest in West Bengal.
"We respect Mohan Bhagwat ji, but his assessment that there might be riots etc here, we will not let any such thing happen," he asserted, projecting confidence in maintaining peace in the state.
In a more controversial claim, Kabir alleged that Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has connections with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). He argued that the organization's footprint in Bengal has expanded dramatically under her administration.
"The CM has some relations with the RSS. Recently, Mohan Bhagwat ji visited Bengal for 15 days, how has he come here again now? He needs the state government's permission to visit here," Kabir questioned. He further claimed that the number of RSS shakhas (branches) in the state has skyrocketed from 558 to 12,000 during Banerjee's tenure, implying tacit support.
Ambitions of a Kingmaker in 2026
Kabir's ambitions extend far beyond just launching a party. He has positioned himself as a potential kingmaker in the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections. He predicted a fractured mandate where neither the ruling TMC nor the principal opposition BJP would secure a simple majority.
He estimated that no single party would cross the 148-seat mark in the 294-member Assembly. In this scenario, he sees his new party holding the balance of power.
"I will be kingmaker after the elections. No one can form a government without my support," Kabir declared boldly. He revealed plans for his party to contest in 135 seats and expressed confidence in winning enough constituencies to play a decisive role in government formation. "Whoever goes to take oath as the chief minister will need the support of my party’s MLAs," he added.
Kabir's suspension from the TMC was a result of his repeated defiance of party discipline and for making provocative statements, particularly in relation to a local project. His new political venture marks a formal split from the party that he was once a part of, setting the stage for a multi-cornered contest in the state's future elections.
