Bengal polls: Humayun Kabir votes, urges Hindu-Muslim harmony
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Kolkata: Janata Unnayan Party (JUP) president Humayun Kabir cast his vote on Thursday as the first phase of West Bengal’s Assembly elections began across 152 constituencies in 16 districts, calling for inclusive development and an end to political violence.
Polling commenced at 7 a.m. in the crucial two-phase polls. The former Trinamool Congress leader, who won from Bharatpur in 2021, is contesting Rejinagar and Naoda. He courted controversy last year by proposing a “Babri Masjid” in Murshidabad.
After voting, Kabir told reporters: “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 accused Trinamool Congress of luring JUP workers with cash, slashing his party’s targets from more seats to 115. “Soon, Amit Shah will also go back to Delhi, and Mamata will also be out of power,” he predicted.
Kabir praised the peaceful polling. “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,” he said, emphasising democratic rights: “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.”
(Inputs from IANS)