NEW DELHI: A fresh political row broke out in West Bengal on Sunday after Aam Janata Unnayan Party (AJUP) founder Humayun Kabir made remarks wishing for the “early departure” of chief minister Suvendu Adhikari from the world, referring to political leaders who were assassinated or died in accidents.Speaking to reporters in Murshidabad, Kabir said he would pray that the “almighty should book his ticket” and referred to the fate of former prime ministers Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi, among other political figures.“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.The Nowda MLA also mentioned former Maharashtra deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar and Congress leader Madhavrao Scindia while talking about political leaders who died unnatural deaths.Kabir said he wanted Suvendu to stop being chief minister and become a former CM. He accused the BJP leader of becoming “arrogant” after coming to power and alleged that minorities were facing harassment under his government.The remarks came ahead of the October 6 bypoll in Rejinagar, the seat Kabir vacated after retaining Nowda in the 2026 assembly elections.The BJP strongly condemned Kabir’s comments. Health minister Shardwat Mukhopadhyay said political differences could not justify wishing death on an opponent.“Political courtesy in Bengal has fallen to a very low level. 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.Defending CM Suvendu’s mandate, Mukhopadhyay said: “Suvendu was not made the chief minister through anyone’s favour; the people made him chief minister”.He added: “Humayun Kabir should remember – a curse does not kill a cow.”Kabir’s remarks have added a personal edge to the contest in Rejinagar, where his political influence is being tested after he gave up the seat.Kabir has moved between the Congress, Trinamool Congress and BJP before returning to the TMC and later forming his own political outfit. He won both Rejinagar and Nowda in the 2026 assembly elections but retained Nowda, leaving Rejinagar vacant.The BJP has fielded Sakharav Sarkar, while the TMC has nominated Rabiul Alam Chowdhury. Rebel TMC leader Ritabrata Banerjee’s faction has fielded Safiuzzaman Sheikh. The Congress candidate is Mohammad Abdullahil Kafi and the CPM has nominated Syed Asad Ali. Kabir’s AJUP has fielded his son, Ghulam Nabi Azad.
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Rejinagar is a significant constituency in Murshidabad, which has a large Muslim population. Kabir’s AJUP won the seat in the 2026 assembly elections, when he defeated BJP candidate Bapan Ghosh by a substantial margin.Kabir and Suvendu have also clashed repeatedly over political activities in the area. Kabir has previously warned against Suvendu’s political activities in his constituency, while the chief minister has responded to his attacks.The latest remarks have taken their confrontation beyond political disagreements, with Kabir’s references to the deaths of political leaders drawing a strong response from the BJP.The Rejinagar and Nandigram bypolls are scheduled for October 6, with counting set for October 9. The contests are being closely watched amid political realignments following the 2026 assembly elections.
