‘Elder brother’ Owaisi at the helm as Humayun Kabir firms up Bengal poll alliance, 20 rallies planned
The Statesman | 25 March 2026
Humayun Kabir, founder of the Janata Unnayan Party (JUP), on Wednesday underlined the strength of his tie-up with All India Majlis-e-Ittehad-ul-Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief Asaduddin Owaisi, saying the alliance will fight the West Bengal Assembly elections together with a common plan.
The announcement comes as political activity gathers pace ahead of the two-phase polls in April, with both leaders signalling a long-term partnership that goes beyond just one election cycle.
Speaking at a press conference in Kolkata, Kabir repeatedly referred to Owaisi as his “elder brother” and said he would follow his guidance through the campaign. “I have entered this alliance considering him as my elder brother and following his suggestions in these elections,” he said, according to ANI.
Kabir said key decisions on candidates and seat-sharing were finalised after discussions with Owaisi. “Who my candidates are, which seats we are contesting, and which seats they are contesting—I made that decision last night. The decision reached in consultation with my elder brother will be our final resolution on the battlefield. We will fight together,” he added.
The alliance has drawn up an aggressive campaign plan, including around 20 rallies across the state. The first is scheduled for April 1 in Behrampur, where both leaders are expected to address a large gathering.
Kabir said he has requested Owaisi to join him for all the rallies. “I have appealed to my elder brother that since the elections are approaching in two phases, he should participate in at least 20 rallies with me,” he said.
The campaign trail will cover several districts, including Birbhum, Asansol, Uttar Dinajpur, Murshidabad, Malda, North Bengal and Kolkata.
Kabir also made it clear that he sees the partnership as a lasting one. “Through this alliance, whatever decision my brother takes and whatever direction he gives, I will follow that. This alliance will never break,” he said, adding that the political journey begun in 2026 would continue as long as he remains active in politics.
On seat distribution, Kabir said his party will contest 182 seats and leave around eight for AIMIM.
AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi, speaking separately, said the alliance aims to strengthen independent political leadership for the Muslim minority in West Bengal.
“Our attempt is that a leadership from the Muslim minority emerges and strengthens in this election in West Bengal. We have decided the number of seats we will contest. This alliance is not limited to just this election, but it will be taken forward to achieve our political objective,” he said, as per ANI.
He noted that talks on a few remaining seats were still underway but said it was not a major concern. “There are only two or three seats left for final discussion,” he said.
Owaisi also linked political representation with development outcomes, pointing to official data. He said figures from state and central agencies, including NSSO, show that areas lacking independent leadership among Muslim communities lag behind in social and economic indicators. “There is an organic connection between development and independent leadership,” he said.
He confirmed that he would visit Behrampur on April 1 for Kabir’s nomination filing and a public meeting, where party candidates will also receive B-forms.
The AIMIM chief thanked Kabir for joining hands with his party and said the alliance would work towards its stated political goals over the long term.
The West Bengal Assembly elections will be held in two phases on April 23 and April 29, with counting scheduled for May 4.