AIMIM-backed Murshidabad gathering watched closely ahead of 2026 Assembly polls
January 31, 2026: West Bengal’s political scene is witnessing a crucial moment as former Trinamool Congress leader Humayun Kabir holds a major rally in Murshidabad on Tuesday, backed by leaders from the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM). While AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi will not attend in person, senior party figures, including state president Imran Solanki, are expected to participate. Organisers have claimed the rally could draw up to one million supporters, making it one of the largest political events in the region this year.
Kabir, who recently quit the TMC and floated his own political outfit, said the rally marks the formal launch of his campaign to present Bengal voters with an alternative political vision ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections. He added that plans to hold the event at Kolkata’s Brigade Parade Ground had to be deferred due to venue constraints, leading organisers to shift the programme to Murshidabad instead.
The rally has already drawn sharp political reactions, particularly from the BJP. State BJP president Sukanta Majumdar criticised the emerging alignment, questioning opposition unity and accusing rival leaders of engaging in opportunistic politics. With minority votes expected to play a decisive role in the upcoming polls, the Murshidabad rally is being closely watched for its potential impact on West Bengal’s evolving electoral equations.