Bharatpur MLA Humayun Kabir Apologizes After Controversial Remarks, Reaffirms Support for Mamata Banerjee

Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews,  December 3, 2024, Kolkata : Bharatpur MLA Humayun Kabir has publicly apologized after his recent comments caused a stir within the Trinamool Congress (TMC). Kabir had earlier expressed dissatisfaction with certain party leaders, particularly requesting that TMC General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee be appointed as the state’s Police Minister. His remarks led to criticism and a reprimand from Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee during a tense session in the state assembly.

In his apology, Humayun Kabir clarified that he had never questioned Mamata Banerjee’s leadership, acknowledging that his comments were misinterpreted. "I apologize for what I said publicly. I never intended to undermine the leadership of Mamata Banerjee. I am happy with the way she addressed issues during the meeting with the MLAs," he stated.

Kabir’s initial remarks, which included an attack on state minister Firhad Hakim, triggered a controversy. He had alleged that in his constituency, no one was available to address his grievances, which further escalated tensions within the party. The dispute reached its peak when Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee conducted a meeting with all TMC MLAs to address the party’s internal matters. During this meeting, Mamata Banerjee asserted that she and Subrata Bakshi would handle the party's affairs, emphasizing her central role in guiding the organization.

In a shift of tone following the meeting, Kabir expressed his respect for the Chief Minister’s leadership, stating, "The Chief Minister has guided us well. She said that everyone is a member of the same family, and it feels good. This time, she spoke in a completely opposite tone. She reaffirmed that Mamata Banerjee is the supreme leader of our party."

The controversy surrounding Kabir’s comments comes at a time of heightened tensions within the TMC, as internal rifts and demands for greater representation have surfaced. However, Kabir’s apology and reaffirmation of loyalty to Mamata Banerjee are seen as efforts to restore harmony within the party.

The Chief Minister’s handling of the situation reflects her resolve to maintain unity within the TMC as she prepares for future political challenges. As the situation develops, it will be interesting to see how the TMC leadership navigates the internal dynamics of the party in the coming months.