Trinamool MLA Humayun Kabir Calls for Abhishek Banerjee as Full-Time Police Minister to Tackle Crime

Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews,  November 18, 2024 , Kolkata: In a bold statement that is likely to spark political debate, Trinamool Congress MLA Humayun Kabir from Bharatpur has called for a structural shift in the state’s governance, urging that Abhishek Banerjee be appointed as the full-time police minister. Kabir’s remarks come amid growing concerns about rising criminal violence in West Bengal, with several party leaders, particularly from Kolkata, recently accusing the police of inefficiency in addressing law and order issues.

Kabir’s proposal is clear: he believes that the key to tackling the state's crime problem lies in having a dedicated police minister who can give the department the attention it requires. “If there is a full-time police minister, I am confident that no crime will go unnoticed or unchecked,” Kabir said in his statement, emphasizing that a minister specifically focused on police matters would make a significant difference.

He further suggested that Abhishek Banerjee, who is also the Trinamool Congress (TMC) national general secretary, should be appointed as the deputy to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. Kabir predicted that Mamata Banerjee will secure a fourth term as Chief Minister in 2026, and in his view, having Abhishek as a deputy and police minister would bring substantial benefits to the people of Bengal. "Many times, the Chief Minister is so busy managing multiple portfolios that it becomes difficult for the people to reach her or for their concerns to be addressed promptly. If Abhishek Banerjee is given more responsibility, it will certainly benefit the people of Bengal,” he added.

Kabir’s remarks echo a long-standing call from the opposition during previous controversies, notably the RG tax scandal, when there was a demand for a full-time health minister due to the Chief Minister’s heavy workload. Political analysts are now noting a similar tone in Kabir’s call for Abhishek Banerjee to take on a greater role in managing law and order.

The question now arises: Does Kabir's proposal suggest a lack of confidence in Mamata Banerjee’s ability to manage law and order as the state’s police minister? Critics might interpret Kabir’s support for a full-time police minister as a subtle admission that the current arrangements are inadequate. However, Kabir has refrained from criticizing Mamata Banerjee directly, and his support for Abhishek as the deputy police minister may be seen as an attempt to strengthen the party's governance structure, rather than a direct challenge to the CM’s leadership.

In an interesting historical twist, Kabir’s political journey has seen a notable shift. During the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, Kabir raised concerns about Trinamool’s choice of outsider candidate, Yusuf Pathan, which led to tensions within the party. Abhishek Banerjee personally intervened, calling Kabir to his Camac Street office for a lengthy meeting. After that discussion, Kabir softened his stance, eventually campaigning for Pathan. This incident highlights the influence Abhishek Banerjee has within the party and may explain Kabir's renewed push for him to take on more significant responsibilities.

As tensions regarding the state’s law and order situation continue, Humayun Kabir’s call for a full-time police minister is likely to fuel further debate within the Trinamool Congress, as well as in the wider political arena. The suggestion that Abhishek Banerjee should take on more executive power could be seen as both a strategic move to address public concerns and a subtle endorsement of his growing prominence within the party.