Why Did Humayun Kabir Withdraw His New Party's Ballygunge Seat Candidate?
Synopsis
In a surprising turn of events, Humayun Kabir, a suspended leader from the Trinamool Congress, has withdrawn the candidacy of Nisha Chatterjee for Ballygunge. This decision came just hours after announcing her nomination, raising questions about political judgments and social media scrutiny. What led to this rapid change?
Key Takeaways
Humayun Kabir quickly withdrew Nisha Chatterjee's candidacy for Ballygunge.
Concerns arose from her social media presence.
Nisha was previously engaged in social service.
Both announcement and withdrawal were seen as hasty decisions.
The incident highlights the power of social media in politics.
Kolkata, Dec 23 (NationPress) Just 12 hours after launching his new political party, suspended Trinamool Congress leader and MLA Humayun Kabir has decided to retract the candidacy of one of his party's ten nominees.
The candidate for the Ballygunge Assembly constituency in Kolkata, Nisha Chatterjee, has had her nomination withdrawn following reports that her social media presence featured numerous photos showcasing her in revealing attire.
Consequently, after this brief period, Humayun Kabir declared that Nisha Chatterjee would no longer represent his newly established Janata Unnayan Party (JUP).
Earlier on Monday, Kabir, who serves as the MLA from Bharatpur, unveiled the formation of his new political entity in Beldanga of Murshidabad district, along with a list of potential candidates for ten Assembly constituencies, which included Nisha Chatterjee.
Kabir had initially selected Nisha Chatterjee for the Ballygunge Assembly seat, and they even posed for photographs together during the announcement.
Nisha Chatterjee expressed that she was a newcomer to politics, having been engaged in social service initiatives in West Bengal until now.
Humayun Kabir, whom she referred to as a family friend, had extended the invitation for her to join the political arena.
Despite this, she indicated that she never anticipated being nominated by Humayun Kabir for the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections.
However, just hours after her candidacy was made public, various images and videos of Nisha began circulating on social media.
In light of this, Humayun Kabir reversed his decision, stating that “her online behaviors are inappropriate. They are unsuitable for a respected institution like the state Assembly. I will announce a Muslim candidate for Ballygunge within a week.”
Following this move, Nisha Chatterjee remarked that both the announcement and subsequent withdrawal of her candidacy were impulsive actions by MLA Humayun Kabir.
She stated, “I did not actively seek to be a candidate. He (Humayun Kabir) chose me as a candidate, and he retracted my nomination in the same manner. I believe no one should have the authority to judge a woman’s conduct and freedom.”
Point of View
The swift withdrawal of Nisha Chatterjee's candidacy raises critical questions about the influence of social media on political decisions. As political leaders navigate the complexities of public perception, the incident underscores the importance of transparency and accountability in candidate selection. NationPress remains committed to covering these developments with integrity and insight.
NationPress
10 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Humayun Kabir withdraw Nisha Chatterjee's candidacy?
Humayun Kabir withdrew Nisha Chatterjee's candidacy due to concerns about her social media posts, which featured revealing attire, leading him to reconsider her suitability for the Assembly.
What political party did Humayun Kabir form?
Humayun Kabir formed the Janata Unnayan Party (JUP) shortly before announcing Nisha Chatterjee as a candidate.
What was Nisha Chatterjee's background before politics?
Nisha Chatterjee was involved in social service activities in West Bengal prior to her nomination in politics.
What did Nisha Chatterjee think of her candidacy?
Nisha Chatterjee expressed surprise at being nominated and felt that the decision to withdraw her candidacy was hasty.
How did social media influence this political decision?
The rapid circulation of Nisha Chatterjee's images on social media prompted Humayun Kabir to reconsider her candidacy due to concerns about public perception.
