Muslims play an important role in the politics of West Bengal. The share of Muslims in the total population of the state is about 27-30 percent and they are an important vote bank. This means that out of every 100 people of Bengal, about 27 to 30 are Muslims and these Muslims have the power to overturn the election results. Their number is more in districts like Murshidabad, Malda and North Dinajpur.
Out of 294 assembly seats in Bengal, there are about 130 seats where Muslim voters decide victory or defeat. The population of Muslims in these seats is more than 27%. In 90 of these seats, the population of Muslims ranges from 42 percent to 90 percent. In districts like Murshidabad, Malda and North Dinajpur, their population is so high that it is almost impossible to win elections there without their support.
Actually, TMC in Bengal has been dependent on the votes of Muslims for a long time, but now resentment is increasing among Muslims, because they feel that they are being ignored. Some people in the community feel that parties only use them as 'vote banks', but not much attention is paid to their development. Because of this, some Muslims are now looking towards other options also.
Naushad Siddiqui-led Indian Secular Front or ISF has emerged as a contender for Muslim votes. ISF has formed an alliance with the Left Front and Congress. Its purpose is to challenge the dominance of TMC. However, the impact of this alliance is uncertain and some people argue that it may divide Muslim votes and benefit BJP.
Suspended TMC MLA Humayun Kabir has formed an alliance with Asaduddin Owaisi's AIMIM. Kabir's Aam Janata Unnayan Party (AJUP) and Owaisi's party are contesting on 182 seats. Its objective is to bring a large portion of Muslim votes to its side. Humayun came into limelight after his insistence on building Babri Masjid in Murshidabad.
This alliance has faced criticism from opposition leaders. Leaders argue that this may divide Muslim votes and weaken secular parties, which may benefit BJP. Not only this, questions are also circulating in the political circles that what impact will the AIMIM-AJUP alliance have on TMC's Muslim vote bank? Will ISF-Congress-Left parties get support among Muslim voters? What impact will Humayun Kabir's proposal have on the election results?
However, TMC and Congress are not liking this alliance. Both the parties are calling this new alliance as the B team of BJP. BJP has also criticized Owaisi for going with Humayun Kabir. Actually Humayun Kabir was earlier in TMC, later he was thrown out of TMC due to anti-party activities. After being expelled from TMC, Humayun Kabir formed his own separate political party in December 2025. He is building a mosque in the name of Babri in West Bengal, due to which he came into limelight.
Now he is contesting West Bengal elections with Asaduddin Owaisi's party. West Bengal has 30 percent Muslim population and apart from TMC, Congress, Left parties, Owaisi's party is also eyeing this vote. Overall, it can be said that political episodes with exciting turns and twists have started in the West Bengal elections.
In a recent joint press conference, Owaisi said that our party AIMIM is fighting in West Bengal along with brother Humayun Kabir. We will try our best to make this alliance successful whereas Humayun Kabir said that this alliance will never break. My brother Owaisi has started and as long as I am alive, my party will be with AIMIM.
