Humayun Kabir launches his own party, names it Janata Unnayan Party

Suspended Trinamool Congress MLA Humayun Kabir has officially launched his own political outfit, the Janata Unnayan Party (JUP), ahead of the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections. Kabir, a prominent face in Murshidabad politics, announced on Monday that his party would focus on the development of the common man. He confirmed that he intends to contest from both the Beldanga and Rejinagar constituencies, while also fielding Manisha Pandey from another seat to project a more inclusive image for the newly formed organization.

The announcement comes after weeks of friction with the TMC leadership, particularly over Kabir's controversial plan to construct a Babri Masjid-style mosque in Murshidabad. During the launch, Kabir did not hold back his criticism of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, accusing her of maintaining a secret understanding with the RSS. He alleged that the number of RSS 'shakhas' in Bengal has grown from 558 to 12,000 under the current regime's watch, questioning the state government's permission for Mohan Bhagwat’s frequent visits.

A veteran of many political shifts, having previously served in the Congress and the BJP, Kabir is now looking for a third-front alliance. He indicated that he is in active talks with Asaduddin Owaisi’s AIMIM to create a joint front in the Muslim-majority districts of the state. This move is seen as a strategic attempt to challenge the ruling TMC's minority vote bank while simultaneously taking on the BJP’s polarising narrative in the high-stakes border districts.