Days after launching his newly formed political outfit, the Janata Unnayan Party, suspended Trinamool Congress (TMC) MLA from Bharatpur Humayun Kabir has announced a new candidate for the prestigious Ballygunge assembly constituency in south Kolkata, replacing Nisha Chatterjee, whose nomination was withdrawn within hours of its announcement.
Former police officer Abul Hasan has now been named as the Janata Unnayan Party’s candidate for Ballygunge in the upcoming 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections. Kabir made the announcement, formally replacing Nisha.
Last Monday, Kabir unveiled his new party and its flag, fulfilling his earlier declaration — made before his suspension from the TMC — that he would float a new political platform on December 22 and contest over 100 seats in the next assembly elections. Alongside the party’s launch, he released a list of candidates for 10 assembly constituencies.
Among the names announced was Nisha Chatterjee, chosen as the candidate for Ballygunge. However, her candidature was revoked overnight, triggering political and public debate.
Explaining the sudden reversal, Kabir claimed he was not personally acquainted with Nisha. He stated that an acquaintance had informed him of her interest in contesting from Ballygunge, following which her name was announced. Kabir further alleged that after her nomination, certain videos and images of Nisha were circulated on social media by the TMC’s IT cell, prompting him to reconsider the decision.
According to Kabir, after reviewing the content, he felt that “such a person was unfit for a sacred place like the Legislative Assembly,” leading to the withdrawal of her candidature.
Nisha, however, has rejected this explanation. She claimed that her removal had nothing to do with social media videos and alleged that her Hindu religious identity was the real reason behind the decision.
“Suddenly there is talk about my videos. I am hearing all kinds of things from everywhere. Humayun uncle himself asked me to be a candidate. Everything was fine. I don’t understand what happened all of a sudden,” Nisha said.
She further alleged that since the withdrawal of her name, she has been subjected to taunts, uncomfortable questions and social pressure.
The development has added an early note of controversy to the fledgling party’s electoral ambitions, even as political circles continue to closely watch its next steps ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections.
Also read: WB Assembly Speaker hints action against ex-TMC MLA Humayun Kabir
Follow us
