Adhikari Defends Detention of MLA Humayun Kabir During Bypolls

Security protocols and election regulations apply to every representative regardless of rank, said Suvendu Adhikari following the detention of AJUP chief Humayun Kabir. Adhikari dismissed claims of political overreach, insisting that any candidate found outside their designated polling area during the Rejinagar by-election faces immediate police action under Election Commission mandates.

Editorial·October 6, 2026·reads: 1,839

Adhikari Defends Detention of MLA Humayun Kabir During Bypolls

Humayun Kabir was taken into custody by Rejinagar Police at his party office in Murshidabad as voting commenced. Beldanga SDPO Anandjit Hore confirmed the detention, noting that the move was necessary to maintain order and enforce electoral law. Before his arrest, Kabir had alleged that police were obstructing the voting process at various booths, claiming that dozens of his supporters had been detained in the months leading up to the election.

Adhikari, who was voting in the Nandigram constituency, emphasized that politicians possess no immunity when interfering with polling operations. He argued that the state government holds no authority over the poll panel's directives, shifting accountability to the police observers and the Election Commission. Adhikari maintained that he follows these same rules, restricting his own movements to his specific booth before departing for Calcutta. The bypolls in Nandigram and Rejinagar were triggered by the resignation of candidates who won multiple seats during the state assembly elections.