Why Did Humayun Kabir Withdraw His New Party's Candidate for Ballygunge?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Humayun Kabir retracted Nisha Chatterjee's candidacy due to social media scrutiny.
- The incident raises questions about the treatment of women in politics.
- Chatterjee expressed that she was invited into politics by Kabir.
- The Janata Unnayan Party was formed just hours before the withdrawal.
- Political standards for candidates can be influenced by personal behavior on social media.
Kolkata, Dec 23 (NationPress) Just 12 hours after the establishment of his new political party, the suspended Trinamool Congress leader and MLA Humayun Kabir retracted the name of one of his party's ten candidates.
The candidate for the Ballygunge Assembly constituency in Kolkata, Nisha Chatterjee, was withdrawn following reports that her social media profile showcased numerous photos in revealing attire.
Consequently, Humayun Kabir declared that Nisha Chatterjee would no longer represent his newly-formed Janata Unnayan Party (JUP).
On Monday, Kabir, the MLA from Bharatpur, announced the creation of his political entity in Beldanga of Murshidabad district while also revealing the names of prospective candidates for ten Assembly constituencies, including Nisha Chatterjee.
Initially, Humayun Kabir had introduced Nisha as the candidate for the Ballygunge Assembly seat, even posing for photographs alongside her during the announcement.
Nisha Chatterjee expressed that she was new to the political arena and had predominantly engaged in social service initiatives within West Bengal prior to this.
She mentioned that Humayun Kabir, whom she referred to as a family friend, had invited her to enter politics.
However, she admitted that she never anticipated being nominated for the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections by Humayun Kabir.
Shortly after the announcement, numerous photographs and videos of Nisha began circulating on social media.
In light of these developments, Humayun Kabir reversed his decision, stating that “her actions on social media are inappropriate. They are unfit for a revered institution like the state Assembly. I will announce a Muslim candidate for the Ballygunge Assembly constituency within a week.”
After the decision was made, Nisha Chatterjee remarked that both the announcement and subsequent withdrawal of her candidacy were impulsive actions taken by MLA Humayun Kabir.
She stated, “I didn’t approach him to be a candidate; he appointed me as one and then rescinded that decision in a similar manner. I believe no one should have the authority to judge a woman’s behavior and freedom.”