As political equations intensify ahead of the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections, former Trinamool Congress (TMC) MLA Humayun Kabir has positioned himself as a potential kingmaker, asserting that the state could witness an unprecedented leadership shift.

Kabir, who was suspended from the All India Trinamool Congress following internal disagreements, has floated a new outfit — the Am Janata Unnayan Party (AJUP).

In a recent interview, he said that if his party plays a decisive role in government formation, it would push for either a Muslim chief minister or deputy chief minister in West Bengal.

Taking a direct swipe at Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Kabir claimed that his party could secure enough seats to influence the formation of the next government. He added that even in the event of a hung assembly, AJUP would demand a share in power, including the deputy CM’s post.

Kabir also announced an electoral understanding with the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), led by Asaduddin Owaisi. Under the arrangement, AIMIM will contest eight seats across Birbhum, Murshidabad, and Malda, while AJUP plans to field candidates in 182 constituencies.

In a high-stakes move, Kabir said his party would contest against Mamata Banerjee in the Bhabanipur seat by fielding Poonam Begum, a non-Bengali Muslim candidate. The constituency is likely to witness a triangular contest, with Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari also expected to enter the fray.

Kabir, 62, has remained in the spotlight in recent months, particularly after proposing the construction of a mosque in Murshidabad modeled on the demolished Babri Masjid, a statement that triggered sharp political reactions.

The West Bengal Assembly elections will be conducted in two phases, on April 23 and April 29, covering all 294 constituencies. The results are scheduled to be announced on May 4, setting the stage for what could be one of the most closely watched political contests in the state’s history.