May Allah book his ticket: Bengal leader Humayun Kabir wishes Suvendu Adhikari ahead of bypoll

Aam Janata Unnayan Party (AJUP) founder and MLA Humayun Kabir has triggered a political row in West Bengal after saying he would pray for Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari’s “early departure” and asking Allah to “book his ticket”, in remarks that came days ahead of the Rejinagar Assembly bypoll.

Speaking to reporters in Murshidabad, Kabir said he wanted Adhikari to stop being chief minister and become a former chief minister. He also referred to political leaders who had died in assassinations or accidents while making his remarks about the BJP leader.

“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.

Kabir also referred to former prime ministers Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi, as well as former Maharashtra deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar and Congress leader Madhavrao Scindia, while speaking about political leaders who had died unnatural deaths.

He accused Adhikari of becoming “arrogant” after coming to power and claimed that minorities were being harassed under his government.

Kabir said his remarks were aimed at the chief minister's continuation in office, saying he wanted Adhikari to become a former CM.

KABIR CLARIFIES REMARKS

Kabir later sought to clarify his remarks, saying he had not taken the Chief Minister’s name and that his comments were made in the context of his allegations of police harassment.

He subsequently said he wished the Chief Minister a long life and wanted him to complete his full term in office and eventually become Prime Minister.

Kabir maintained that his primary grievance was against what he described as harassment by the police.

BJP CONDEMNS REMARKS

The BJP strongly criticised Kabir's comments, saying political differences should not extend to wishing death upon an opponent.

West Bengal Health Minister Shardwat Mukhopadhyay condemned the remarks and said political discourse in the state had fallen to a 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.

He also defended Adhikari's position as chief minister, saying he “was not made the chief minister through anyone's favour; the people made him chief minister”. Mukhopadhyay added, “Humayun Kabir should remember – a curse does not kill a cow.”

REMARKS COME AHEAD OF REJINAGAR BYPOLL

The controversy comes amid an intense campaign for the Rejinagar bypoll, which is scheduled for October 6.

The seat fell vacant after Kabir, who had won both Rejinagar and Nowda in the 2026 Assembly elections, retained Nowda and vacated Rejinagar. Counting for the bypoll will take place on October 9.

The BJP has fielded former Murshidabad district president Sakharav Sarkar from Rejinagar. The Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress has nominated Rabiul Alam Chowdhury, while the rebel Trinamool faction led by Ritabrata Banerjee has fielded Sheikh Safiuzzaman.

The Congress has nominated Abdullahil Kafi and the CPI(M) has fielded Syed Asad Ali. Kabir's AJUP has fielded his son, Ghulam Nabi Azad.

Rejinagar has emerged as one of the closely watched constituencies in the bypolls, with the contest involving the BJP, the TMC and its rival faction, the Congress, the Left and AJUP.

The constituency also has a substantial Muslim electorate, making it an important battleground for the parties.

Kabir's relationship with Adhikari has been contentious, with the two leaders previously exchanging sharp remarks over political activities in Murshidabad and Rejinagar.

Adhikari had earlier warned Kabir against what he described as reckless remarks ahead of the bypoll.

The latest comments have added another flashpoint to the campaign, with Kabir's remarks about Adhikari's death becoming a prominent point of confrontation between AJUP and the BJP as voting day approaches.