Bengal polls: Humayun Kabir casts vote; calls for Hindu-Muslim unity

Kolkata: Janata Unnayan Party (JUP) President Humayun Kabir on Thursday cast his vote as polling for the first phase of the West Bengal Assembly elections commenced earlier in the day, urging that development in the state should be inclusive and free from political violence.

Voting began at 7 a.m. across 152 Assembly constituencies spread over 16 districts in the first phase of the crucial two-phase elections in West Bengal.

Kabir, a former Trinamool Congress leader, is contesting from two constituencies — Rejinagar and Naoda.

He had drawn attention last year after suggesting the construction of a “Babri Masjid” in Murshidabad.

Speaking to reporters after exercising his franchise, Kabir said, “Bengal should maintain harmony between Hindus and Muslims. Development should be for all people. There should not be any hooliganism in the name of politics.”

He further alleged that inducements offered by the Trinamool Congress affected his party’s prospects.

“I had a huge target for my party; however, the TMC people lured my people by giving cash, and now I am contesting in the 115 seats only… Soon, Amit Shah will also go back to Delhi, and Mamata will also be out of power,” he said.

Reiterating the importance of democratic participation, Kabir added, “In the Constitution, everyone has the right to vote… I will cast my vote for the West Bengal elections… I have been participating in elections for a long time, but this is the first time my own party is contesting in these elections.”

Commenting on the polling process, he said the situation remained calm.

“The situation is peaceful so far, and nothing major has happened regarding election management. There are no obstacles for agents or voters. Everything is running properly,” Kabir stated.

Humayun Kabir had won the 2021 West Bengal Assembly elections from the Bharatpur constituency in Murshidabad district on a Trinamool Congress ticket.

IANS