AJUP Chief Humayun Kabir Detained During West Bengal Bypoll
AJUP leader Humayun Kabir has been taken into custody in Murshidabad during the Rejinagar Assembly bypoll amid allegations of police interference.
In a dramatic turn of events during the Rejinagar Assembly bypoll, Aam Janata Unnayan Party (AJUP) chief and MLA Humayun Kabir was taken into custody by the police. The detention occurred in Murshidabad as polling continued for the crucial seat, marking a tense moment in the ongoing electoral process.
Police Action in Murshidabad
Beldanga SDPO Anandjit Hore confirmed the development on Tuesday, stating that the lawmaker was detained for violating the law. The Rejinagar Police intercepted Kabir at his party office in Murshidabad. While the detention has sparked political friction, authorities maintain that the situation remains stable.
"Humayun Kabir has been taken into custody because he violated the law," SDPO Hore stated. He further reassured the public that the administration is prepared for any unrest, noting that Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) and local police units have been heavily deployed to maintain order at polling stations.
Kabir Alleges 'Hijacking' of the Vote
The detention follows a series of explosive allegations made by Kabir himself. After casting his vote earlier in the day, the AJUP leader accused the police force of actively interfering with the democratic process. He claimed that instead of protecting voters, law enforcement agencies are undermining the sanctity of the booths.
Speaking to the media, Kabir voiced his frustration regarding the conduct of the authorities:
- Interference: He alleged that the police are "hijacking" the voting process at multiple booths.
- Previous Detentions: Kabir claimed that 64 individuals have been detained over the last two months.
- Shift in Atmosphere: He noted that while the elections held on April 23rd were peaceful, the recent months have seen what he describes as "atrocities" and attacks by the police.
"In India's republic and under the Constitution, the police are meant to ensure the safety and security of the people; that is their duty. Yet, they are the ones hijacking the vote," Kabir remarked, questioning why such measures are necessary when the government is already established.
Context of the Rejinagar Bypoll
The Rejinagar seat became vacant following the resignation of Humayun Kabir, who had previously won from both Rejinagar and Nowda. The seat is one of several being contested in a wave of by-elections across the country, including seats in Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Assam.
In West Bengal, the focus remains on two key constituencies: Nandigram and Rejinagar. The Nandigram seat was vacated after Suvendu Adhikari chose to retain one seat following his dual victory in the state assembly elections earlier this year.
What Happens Next?
As the polling concludes, the focus now shifts to the counting phase. The following timeline has been established for the electoral process:
- October 9: Counting of votes is scheduled to take place.
- October 11: The deadline for the Election Commission to complete the entire election process.