Kolkata, 24 December (H.S.): A major reshuffle has taken place in the Janata Unnayan Party ahead of the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections. Within 24 hours of removing Nishta Chatterjee as the party's candidate for the Ballygunge assembly seat, party founder Humayun Kabir announced retired police officer Abu Hasan as her replacement.

Announcing the decision on Wednesday, Humayun Kabir said that Nishta Chatterjee was removed as a candidate because her social media activities were not in line with the party's image.

Humayun Kabir clarified that Abu Hasan is not his maternal uncle, but rather his mother's cousin. He added, His children had some objections, which I will resolve. It is my responsibility to ensure his victory.

Meanwhile, after being nominated as a candidate, Abu Hasan told reporters, I am not a political person. I have spent my entire life in police service. Humayun insisted that I contest the election.

Abu Hasan is originally from Rajnagar in Birbhum district but has been living in the Beckbagan area of Kolkata for many years.

Notably, after being suspended from the Trinamool Congress on December 4, Humayun Kabir announced the formation of his new party. He had stated that he would field candidates in more than 100 seats in the 2026 assembly elections.

On Monday, Humayun Kabir officially launched the Janata Unnayan Party and released a list of candidates for 10 assembly seats, including his own name for two constituencies.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Priyanka Pandey