On Monday, 4th May, Aam Janata Unnayan Party (AUJP) founder Humayun Kabir congratulated the people of West Bengal for voting against the Trinamool Congress in the Assembly elections, while accusing Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of “looting” the state.
Speaking to reporters, Humayun Kabir said, "What can I say? What has happened is good. This was bound to happen. Mamata Banerjee became the CM thrice. She gave so much authority to her nephew. They cheated the people and looted their money. In 15 years, they surpassed the loot that the British looted in 100-200 years. I would like to congratulate the people of Bengal who gave such a reply to TMC, who looted the state."
Kabir, who was expelled from the TMC following the Babri Masjid construction controversy in Murshidabad, is currently leading in both Rejinagar and Nowda seats, according to the Election Commission of India. In Rejinagar, TMC candidate Ataur Rahaman has dropped to third place after the third round of counting, while BJP’s Bapan Ghosh is in second, trailing by 6,325 votes. In Nowda, TMC candidate Sahina Momtaz Khan is also in third position, with Kabir leading after seven rounds of counting.
Expressing confidence, Kabir said he expects to win both constituencies and collect his victory certificates by 3 pm.
Humayun Kabir’s emergence in the West Bengal Assembly elections marks a significant disruption in the state’s political landscape, particularly for the Trinamool Congress (TMC). Once a part of Mamata Banerjee’s inner circle, Kabir’s fallout with the party and subsequent rise through the Aam Janata Unnayan Party (AUJP) reflect growing internal dissent within the TMC.
His strong performance in constituencies like Rejinagar and Nowda signals that sections of voters, especially in Murshidabad, are willing to move beyond traditional loyalties. Kabir’s campaign, built around allegations of corruption, appeasement politics, and concentration of power within a select few in the TMC, appears to have resonated with voters who were seeking an alternative.
ALSO READ: West Bengal & Kerala: Crumbled Red FortressFrom a broader perspective, Kabir’s rise has indirectly strengthened the larger anti-TMC sentiment in the state, something that aligns with the Bharatiya Janata Party’s narrative of governance, accountability, and development under Prime Minister Narendra Modi. While AUJP itself may not be a major statewide force yet, its ability to cut into TMC’s vote base has contributed to weakening Mamata Banerjee’s hold.
His performance also highlights a key shift in West Bengal politics, regional strongmen breaking away from TMC are no longer political outliers; they are becoming catalysts in reshaping the electoral outcome. In essence, Humayun Kabir may not be the face of the BJP’s rise in Bengal, but his impact has played a role in accelerating the decline of TMC’s dominance, further opening the door for a governance model that many voters increasingly associate with stability and development under Modi’s leadership.
Meanwhile, the Bharatiya Janata Party has crossed the majority mark in the closely watched West Bengal elections, putting an end to Mamata Banerjee’s bid for a fourth consecutive term. As per Election Commission trends available till 1:15 pm, the BJP is leading in 187 seats, while the Trinamool Congress is ahead in 92.
Celebrations meanwhile broke out among BJP workers, who raised slogans of “Jai Shri Ram” outside Mamata Banerjee’s residence in Kolkata as the party moved towards a clear majority. The elections also witnessed record-breaking voter participation. Phase II recorded a turnout of 91.66%, while Phase I saw 93.19% polling, taking the overall turnout to 92.47%, the highest since independence.
In contrast, the 2021 Assembly elections saw the Trinamool Congress secure a sweeping victory with 213 out of 294 seats and a vote share of around 48%. The BJP had emerged as the main opposition with 77 seats and about 38% vote share, while the Left-Congress alliance failed to win any seats.