Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, Murshidabad, June 3, 2025 : Humayun Kabir, a prominent Trinamool Congress (TMC) legislator from Bharatpur in West Bengal, has found himself embroiled in controversy after making inflammatory remarks against the police during a public meeting in Berhampore on Sunday. Kabir’s comments, which included threats to “discipline” certain police stations, have sparked outrage, particularly among the opposition and citizens, further intensifying the already volatile political climate in the state.
In a video that quickly went viral, Kabir was heard accusing police stations in Murshidabad, including Shamshergunj, Lalgola, Barwan, and Bharatpur, of mistreating and torturing the people. Speaking to a crowd, Kabir said, “If I were in the opposition, I wouldn’t need more than 24 hours to make these police stations fall in line. But now, my hands are tied as I am part of the ruling side. That is why the police are acting with audacity, harassing innocent citizens.”
Kabir’s comments went a step further as he reassured his supporters, saying, “Don’t be afraid of the police. If they harass you or your family, if they pick you up in the dead of night, let me know. I am with you, and I will stand by you.” This provocative speech drew immediate criticism, especially as it echoed the controversial rhetoric of other TMC leaders, including Anubrata Mondal and Bikramjit Shaw, who have recently made similar inflammatory remarks.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was quick to seize on the issue, with BJP leader Shankar Ghosh accusing the TMC of fostering a “negative political culture.” Ghosh stated, “Even after being in power, the TMC has not been able to change its negative mentality. Such comments from its leaders are not surprising. They follow the same path of aggression, as demonstrated by Anubrata Mondal. Naturally, the party leader’s words reflect the same mindset.”
Kabir’s remarks come at a time when the TMC is already facing significant internal and external scrutiny. His speech about police “discipline” follows a series of controversial comments made by other high-profile TMC figures, including Anubrata Mondal, who has been involved in a long-standing feud with the police in his district of Birbhum.
However, just a day after his comments sparked a public outcry, Kabir backtracked, softening his stance. On Monday, he issued a statement clarifying that he was withdrawing his remarks. “I have had a long discussion with the Superintendent of Police (Murshidabad), Kumar Sunny Raj, and he assured me that proper action will be taken. I am now withdrawing my remarks and wish to assure everyone that I stand by the law and respect the police,” Kabir said.
This sudden change in position left many questioning the TMC leader’s initial outburst and whether it was a calculated move to stir public sentiment or a genuine expression of frustration. Kabir’s backtracking also raises questions about the internal dynamics within the TMC, as it closely follows the controversy surrounding other party leaders’ recent verbal attacks on police officers.
The incident has ignited a broader conversation about the relationship between the TMC and law enforcement in West Bengal, particularly as the party grapples with the fallout from controversial statements made by its leaders. While Kabir has attempted to calm the situation by withdrawing his remarks, the episode has added fuel to an already intense political fire, with critics accusing the TMC of fostering an atmosphere of lawlessness and intimidation.
As the situation continues to unfold, all eyes will be on whether the TMC leadership takes further steps to address the growing tension between party officials and law enforcement, or whether the cycle of controversial rhetoric will continue to escalate.