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Before the West Bengal elections, there was a meeting between CPM leader Mohammad Salim and Humayun Kabir of Janata Unnayan Party. The possible alliance could pose a challenge to Mamata Banerjee’s TMC and could change the opposition equation.

West Bengal: As the assembly elections in West Bengal approach, the turmoil in the politics of the state has intensified. New equations are seen forming in the opposition camp in front of the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC). In this series, the meeting between Marxist Communist Party (CPM) West Bengal Unit Secretary Mohammad Salim and Janata Unnayan Party chief Humayun Kabir has further intensified the political discussions. After this meeting, the question is being raised whether preparations are being made for election ‘game’ against Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

This meeting has taken place at a time when all the political parties are busy finalizing their strategy before the elections. There is a continuous discussion going on about seat sharing, possible alliance and vote bank mathematics.

Important meeting held in New Town hotel

The meeting between CPM leader Mohammed Salim and Janata Unnayan Party chief Humayun Kabir took place at a hotel in Kolkata’s New Town area. The conversation between the two leaders lasted for about an hour. Regarding this meeting, a discussion started in the political circles whether both the parties are moving towards an alliance before the elections.

After this meeting, Mohammad Salim said that the proposal for seat sharing in the elections will be discussed in the CPM led Left Front. He clarified that discussion within the Front is necessary before taking any decision.

Hint of discussion within Left Front

Mohammad Salim said that the conversation with Humayun Kabir will be put before the Left Front. He also told that after the discussion in the Left Front, talks will be held with leftist parties outside the Front and then dialogue will be held with the Indian Secular Front i.e. ISF.

It is noteworthy that the CPM-led Left Front had formed an alliance with ISF in the 2021 assembly elections. However, the Left Front did not get any seat in that election. ISF leader Naushad Siddiqui became the only opposition MLA apart from BJP at that time.

Political background of Humayun Kabir

Humayun Kabir has previously been a Trinamool Congress MLA. In recent times, he had laid the foundation of a new Babri Masjid in Murshidabad district, after which there was a stir in the politics of the state. Since this step, he has remained in the news continuously.

Kabir is trying to create a distinct identity in the politics of the state through Janata Unnayan Party. His party has been especially emphasizing on issues to the Muslim community.

‘The meeting was to understand the intentions’

Mohammad Salim made it clear that this meeting was not to announce any formal alliance. He said that this meeting was held to understand the intentions and political objectives of Humayun Kabir.

Salim said that many parties have not yet taken a final decision on seat sharing for the elections. He also said that he wanted to know what Kabir wants to do next and what is his political direction.

courtesy call or political gesture

At the same time, Humayun Kabir also described this meeting as a courtesy meeting. However, he admitted that there have been talks on alliance regarding the elections. Kabir said that he has appealed to Mohammad Salim that the process of forming the alliance should be completed by February 15.

This statement indicates that the Janata Unnayan Party is in favor of some major political agreement before the elections. Kabir believes that the alliance should be finalized in time so that the election strategy can be implemented firmly.

Possibility of talks with AIMIM also

Humayun Kabir also said that his party can also talk to All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) regarding alliance. He clarified that his party’s aim is to defeat the present government and give a transparent government to the people of the state.

It is clear from this statement of Kabir that Janata Unnayan Party is considering many options to strengthen the opposition camp.

Mamta Banerjee’s challenge to TMC

Political analysts believe that if there is an alliance between CPM and Janata Unnayan Party, it could have a direct impact on Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s Trinamool Congress. There is a possibility of loss to TMC especially in Muslim dominated areas.

Humayun Kabir’s party is mainly focusing on Muslim vote bank. Voters considered to be Muslims have long been a strong base for TMC. In such a situation, if there is division in these votes, TMC’s position may become weak.