Aam Janata Unnayan Party (AJUP) founder Humayun Kabir has sparked a political controversy in West Bengal after making remarks about Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari’s “early departure” and saying, “May Allah book his ticket”. The comments came days before the Rejinagar Assembly bypoll.
Speaking to reporters in Murshidabad, Kabir said he wanted Adhikari to stop being chief minister and become a former chief minister. He also referred to several political leaders who died in assassinations or accidents while making the remarks.
“I will pray to the Almighty that he leaves the world as soon as possible. May Allah book his ticket. There will be an end to arrogance,” Kabir said.
Kabir referred to former prime ministers Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi, along with former Maharashtra deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar and Congress leader Madhavrao Scindia, while discussing political leaders who had died unnatural deaths.
He also accused Adhikari of becoming “arrogant” after coming to power and alleged that minorities were being harassed under his government.
Kabir later clarified his remarks, saying he had not directly taken the Chief Minister’s name and that his comments were made in the context of alleged police harassment.
He later said he wished Adhikari a long life and wanted him to complete his full term as chief minister and eventually become Prime Minister. Kabir maintained that his main concern was what he described as harassment by the police.
BJP condemns Kabir’s remarks
The BJP strongly criticised Kabir’s comments, saying political differences should not lead to a politician wishing death upon an opponent.
West Bengal Health Minister Shardwat Mukhopadhyay also condemned the remarks and said the political discourse in the state had reached a low point.
“I could not imagine that someone could say something like this so shamelessly. He may not like Suvendu Adhikari or may disagree with his policies, but can anyone wish for someone’s death? I strongly condemn this,” Mukhopadhyay said.
He also defended Adhikari’s position as chief minister, saying he “was not made the chief minister through anyone’s favour; the people made him chief minister”.
Mukhopadhyay added, “Humayun Kabir should remember – a curse does not kill a cow.”
Remarks come ahead of Rejinagar bypoll
The controversy comes during the campaign for the Rejinagar Assembly bypoll, which is scheduled for October 6. Counting of votes will take place on October 9.
The seat became vacant after Kabir, who had won both Rejinagar and Nowda in the 2026 Assembly elections, retained Nowda and gave up the Rejinagar seat.
The BJP has fielded former Murshidabad district president Sakharav Sarkar from Rejinagar. The Trinamool Congress has nominated Rabiul Alam Chowdhury, while the rebel TMC faction led by Ritabrata Banerjee has fielded Sheikh Safiuzzaman.
The Congress has nominated Abdullahil Kafi and the CPI(M) has fielded Syed Asad Ali. Kabir’s AJUP has fielded his son, Ghulam Nabi Azad.
The bypoll has turned into a multi-cornered contest involving the BJP, TMC, its rival faction, Congress, the Left and AJUP.
Rejinagar has a substantial Muslim electorate and is being closely watched as campaigning intensifies.
Kabir and Adhikari have previously exchanged sharp remarks over political developments in Murshidabad and Rejinagar. Adhikari had earlier warned Kabir against making what he described as reckless comments ahead of the bypoll.
Kabir’s latest remarks have added another point of confrontation between AJUP and the BJP as voting day approaches.