TMC MLA Humayun Kabir threatens to float new party, vows to contest 50+ seats in 2026 polls

Kolkata: In an act of defiance ahead of the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections, Trinamool Congress MLA Humayun Kabir threatened to form a new political outfit, if the TMC fails to "rectify" its district-level leadership in Murshidabad by August 15, a move that could shake the party's minority vote base in the region.

The TMC, unfazed by the ultimatum, said Kabir has been show-caused multiple times for breaching party discipline, and he can leave anytime.

"I will wait till August 15. If there is no change or course correction in the district leadership, I have no option but to listen to the people, both Muslims and some Hindus, who are urging me to chart an alternative path," Kabir, TMC MLA from Bharatpur in Murshidabad district told reporters.

He also indicated that the formation of a Muslim-majority regional party could alter equations in Murshidabad, Malda, North Dinajpur, and parts of Nadia and South Dinajpur districts.

"There will not be just one Humayun Kabir, there will be many," he said, suggesting his new platform may attract disgruntled TMC elements and community leaders.

Kabir, a former Congress and BJP member who has frequently courted controversy within the TMC, said his new party would officially launch on January 1, 2026, and contest 50 to 52 seats across Bengal, primarily targeting the minority-dominated belts.

Issuing a sharp rebuttal, TMC state vice-president Joyprakash Majumdar dismissed the "August 15 deadline" as a stunt.

"If he wants to float a new party, no one is stopping him. But first, he must resign. The party doesn't care for self-imposed deadlines. He can leave tomorrow if he wants," Majumdar said, adding that Kabir had already been show-caused multiple times and warned for breaching party discipline.

"A party has rules. If you want to stay, follow them. Otherwise, the road is open," Majumdar said pointedly.

Kabir, however, appeared unshaken.

"If I am forced to do this, I will not only win my seat, but several of my colleagues will also win. And when we do, we will negotiate with Mamata Banerjee from a position of strength," he said, hinting at post-poll bargaining in case of a fractured mandate in 2026.

Kabir's rebellion has drawn sharp reactions from the opposition.

"He has no credibility. He has made tall claims before and done nothing. His effigies are being burnt in his own constituency. TMC workers are throwing shoes at his posters. Let him act first, then we'll talk," BJP leader Rahul Sinha said.

Sujan Chakraborty, CPI(M) central committee member, also ridiculed Kabir's political flip-flops.

"He has been in Congress, then BJP, then TMC, back to Congress, and again TMC. Now he's talking about a new party? This is not politics, it's opportunistic deal-making," Chakraborty said.

"He says he is with Mamata Banerjee and also Abhishek Banerjee. So, if he is with both, then who is he rebelling against? This is just bargaining before ticket distribution," Chakraborty quipped.

Kabir's latest salvo comes at a time when Mamata Banerjee is working to consolidate her minority vote base amid growing discontent and visible cracks in the TMC's organisational structure in north Bengal.

Murshidabad, Malda and parts of Dinajpur account for a large chunk of Muslim voters, often seen as the TMC's reliable electoral base.

A breakaway faction led by a prominent Muslim leader could create vote splits in multi-cornered contests, especially if the BJP and the Left-Congress alliance manage to retain their footholds.

Kabir, however, clarified he has "no personal animosity" toward Mamata Banerjee or Abhishek Banerjee.

"My fight is with the district-level leaders who are corrupt and autocratic," he said, echoing the complaints of several disgruntled leaders within the party's lower rungs.

Political observers say Kabir's gambit is a high-risk, high-return strategy. His ability to wean away TMC votes depends largely on his organisational muscle in Murshidabad and whether his proposed platform can gain traction beyond local discontent.

However, his checkered past, shifting loyalties between Congress, BJP, and TMC, may work against him, as critics label him untrustworthy and politically restless.