Politics frequently creates unexpected situations, and West Bengal has produced one of its most notable examples. A former Trinamool Congress member who was expelled, became a vocal critic of Mamata Banerjee and campaigned against her administration, has now proposed assisting the former chief minister in returning to the state assembly.
Aam Janata Unnayan Party founder Humayun Kabir stated he is prepared to vacate his Rejinagar seat if Banerjee wishes to contest there. He said that if she runs from Nandigram she would likely lose, but he would resign to help her win from his constituency.
Kabir was once a prominent Muslim leader for the Trinamool Congress in Murshidabad. After relations with party leadership broke down, he was expelled and formed his own party. He then openly opposed the Banerjee government during the assembly elections.
The proposal arrives after the 2026 elections, in which the BJP defeated the Trinamool Congress and ended its long rule in the state. The loss has created internal divisions and uncertainty within the party. Banerjee must now find a way back into the assembly.
Kabir won two seats in Murshidabad and must give up one, leading to a by-election. He suggested Rejinagar could serve as a safe option for Banerjee, avoiding the risks associated with Nandigram.
The offer highlights a striking reversal. A leader who once worked to weaken the Trinamool Congress is now offering help to its former head. Accepting the proposal would raise questions about political necessity and optics for Banerjee.
It remains unclear whether she will accept the offer, which could provide a practical route back to the legislature but would require cooperation with a recent opponent.
