‘May Allah book his ticket’: Humayun Kabir’s remark on CM Suvendu sparks BJP ire

A political controversy has erupted in West Bengal following remarks made by Humayun Kabir, founder of the Aam Janata Unnayan Party (AJUP), about Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari. Kabir expressed his desire for the “early departure” of Adhikari, referring to political figures who had passed away under tragic circumstances. He spoke of wishing for the “Almighty” to take Adhikari’s life, likening it to the fate of former Prime Ministers Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi, among others.

Kabir accused Adhikari of becoming “arrogant” since taking office and alleged that minorities were facing harassment under his administration. The comments, made ahead of the upcoming bypolls on October 6 in the constituency of Rejinagar, where Kabir vacated his seat, drew strong condemnation from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

The BJP’s Health Minister, Shardwat Mukhopadhyay, strongly condemned Kabir’s remarks, warning that political differences should not justify the wish for an opponent’s demise. Mukhopadhyay emphasized that political courtesy in Bengal had plummeted to an unacceptable level. The incident has added a personal dimension to the contest in Rejinagar, where Kabir’s political influence is being tested after he vacated the seat.

The BJP has fielded Sakharav Sarkar, while the TMC has nominated Rabiul Alam Chowdhury; the TMC’s rebel faction has nominated Safiuzzaman Sheikh, and the Congress candidate is Mohammad Abdullahil Kafi, while the CPM has nominated Syed Asad Ali. Kabir’s AJUP has put forward his son, Ghulam Nabi Azad, as their candidate. The Rejinagar and Nandigram bypolls are crucial, scheduled for October 6, with counting on October 9, and are being closely watched as political dynamics shift following the 2026 assembly elections in West Bengal.