Aam Janata Unnayan Party (AJUP) National President and MLA Humayun Kabir on Thursday, 14 May sharply criticised All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) chief and former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee over her visit to the Calcutta High Court on the issue of alleged post-poll violence, calling it “pure drama” and asserting that no such incidents had occurred following the recent elections.

Kabir Dismisses Post-Poll Violence Claims

Kabir questioned the very premise of the post-poll violence allegations, arguing that Banerjee was deflecting attention from incidents that reportedly took place during her own tenure. He pointed specifically to 2021, when Banerjee was Chief Minister, as a period of far graver violence that is now being conveniently overlooked.

“Where did the post-poll violence occur? In 2021, when she was the Chief Minister, many peoples’ lives were in danger, and many were killed. That is not being remembered now. She is forgetting what was done earlier,” Kabir said.

He further alleged that the High Court visit was driven by political calculation rather than genuine concern. “Today she is just acting and going to the High Court for a drama. It will not serve any purpose. It’s all drama, no one was hurt, there was no post-poll violence,” he added.

Backing Vande Mataram in West Bengal Schools

Kabir also weighed in on the announcement by West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari that ‘Vande Mataram’ — India’s national song — would be sung across schools in the state starting Monday. Kabir expressed unequivocal support for the directive.

“‘Vande Mataram’ is the slogan of India. It is the national song of the motherland. So what is the issue? Earlier also, ‘Vande Mataram’ was sung in schools, colleges, and many places. So what is the problem, if the Chief Minister said so? No one should have any objection to it,” he said.

Broader Political Context

The remarks come amid a sharply escalating political confrontation in West Bengal on two overlapping fronts: the dispute over whether post-election violence occurred and, if so, who bears responsibility; and a widening debate over nationalism and educational policy in the state. The Calcutta High Court visit by Banerjee has drawn both support from her party and criticism from rivals who view it as electioneering by other means.

Notably, the post-poll violence narrative in West Bengal has been a recurring flashpoint — the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) had previously flagged violence concerns after the 2021 assembly elections, making Kabir’s reference to that period politically charged. Whether the current allegations will gain traction in court remains to be seen.

What Comes Next

The Calcutta High Court is expected to take up the matter in the coming days. Meanwhile, the Vande Mataram directive is set to come into effect from Monday, and any resistance from schools or political groups could further intensify the state’s already heated political atmosphere.