Aam Janata Unnayan Party (AJUP) President and MLA Humayun Kabir on Thursday, 7 May condemned the killing of Chandranath Das, personal assistant to Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Suvendu Adhikari, in West Bengal, and demanded the immediate arrest of those responsible. Speaking to IANS, Kabir called the incident deeply troubling, particularly given that assembly elections had concluded peacefully across two phases.

Kabir's Condemnation and Demand for Arrests

The AJUP chief said no such violence should have occurred in the aftermath of a peaceful electoral process. "This should not have happened. The elections are over peacefully, and the voting was conducted smoothly in two phases. There should be no such violence or bloodshed. Whoever has committed this incident should be arrested and taken into custody as soon as possible," Kabir said.

He stressed that no party worker, regardless of political affiliation, should be subjected to violence or murder. His remarks reflect growing unease among political actors in West Bengal over post-poll violence, a recurring concern in the state after every major election cycle.

Bengal's History of Post-Poll Violence

Reacting to allegations that All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) supporters were behind attacks on BJP workers, Kabir drew a direct comparison with the 2021 West Bengal Assembly elections, when several BJP workers were allegedly killed and displaced from their homes. "That time is over now. In 2021, many BJP workers were killed and driven out of their homes. Today, the BJP is peaceful, but if someone targets their workers, they will definitely take action. No party worker should be murdered," he said.

This comes amid a broader pattern of political violence in West Bengal that has drawn repeated condemnation from opposition parties and civil society groups. Notably, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) had previously flagged post-poll violence in the state following the 2021 elections.

TMC MLA Defection Speculation and BJP's Stance

Kabir also addressed growing speculation surrounding the reported absence of 11 TMC legislators from a recent party meeting, a development that has fuelled discussion about possible political realignments. He claimed that the BJP had not opened its doors to induct TMC leaders despite the swirling political discussions.

"Even today, the BJP has not opened its doors to take in any Trinamool Congress MLA, former MLA, or leader. If the BJP had opened its doors, many people would have joined it," Kabir remarked. His comments suggest that any potential shift in Bengal's political landscape remains speculative at this stage.

Amit Shah's Meeting and BJP's National Presence

On Union Home Minister Amit Shah's reported meeting with BJP MLAs in West Bengal, Kabir underscored the party's stature as a major national force. "The BJP is such a big party and a national party. It has its presence in 20 states. On 9 May, there will be an oath-taking ceremony, with many Chief Ministers and the Prime Minister attending," he said.

In a lighter exchange, Kabir also spoke warmly about Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying he would like to host him if given the opportunity. "If I get a chance, I will definitely feed him 'jhalmuri'," the AJUP chief added. With the killing of Chandranath Das intensifying scrutiny on law and order in West Bengal, pressure on the state administration to act swiftly is likely to mount in the days ahead.