TMC Arabul Islam to join ISF, may contest election againt Shaukat Molla

Speculation over a possible political shift intensified on Monday after former Arabul Islam, once a prominent MLA from Bhangar, hinted at resigning from the All India Trinamool Congress shortly after the announcement of the West Bengal Assembly elections schedule. Although no formal resignation has been confirmed, his remarks have triggered widespread discussions about his political future.

Islam said he was unhappy with how he had been treated by the party leadership over the years, referring to multiple suspensions and expulsions linked to controversies. “They did not understand Arabul Islam. I have been sued five times and expelled three times. That is why I am resigning from Trinamool today with sadness in my heart,” he said, while also indicating that he would clarify his next move in the coming days.

Political circles are closely watching his reported visit to Furfura Sharif, where leaders of the Indian Secular Front have gathered. Reports suggest Islam could consider joining the party led by Naushad Siddiqui, though Siddiqui said the former MLA has not contacted him directly but had expressed interest in joining the party through district-level leaders.

Meanwhile, tensions between rival political camps escalated as leaders from the ruling party reacted sharply to the speculation. Saokat Molla, the Trinamool Congress MLA from Canning Purba East, said those expelled from the party were now attempting to create political noise, challenging Islam to contest from Bhangar if he had the support.

Islam’s political career has been marked by several controversies, including his arrest in 2024 in connection with the murder of an ISF worker during the panchayat elections. He spent several months in jail before being granted bail in July that year. The party had earlier removed him from organisational posts in Bhangar and taken disciplinary action against him in the past.