Following the recent West Bengal Assembly election results that went against the All India Trinamool Congress, singer and former MP Kabir Suman has said he is no longer associated with the party.
Speaking in an interview with Aztak Bangla, Suman said, “I am not a Trinamool member, I am not a Trinamool member either. Earlier, I was not a member of any party. Mamata Banerjee almost made me stand by my hands and feet. I resigned as soon as my five-year term ended.”
Reflecting on the election outcome, he said he could not explain why the mandate had gone against Mamata Banerjee, but suggested that several factors may have contributed.
“The way the vote was held, the military suddenly entered. I could not have imagined that tanks would enter. However, I cannot say why the mandate went against Mamata. But I think several mistakes were made. People did not take it well,” he said.
Suman pointed in particular to concerns around employment. “The employment sector has been badly hit. People have not taken it well. Has Mamata Banerjee fixed all the work as Chief Minister? The answer is no. She could not,” he said, adding that while he had voted for Trinamool in the election, he was not satisfied with its performance.
He also criticised aspects of the party’s conduct, saying, “People have been shocked by many of the party’s words and behaviour.” At the same time, he acknowledged some of the government’s initiatives, including the Sabuj Saathi scheme. “Children have got bicycles. What a great work. After all these works, maybe one day there will be a temple of Mamata,” he said.
Welcoming the new government, Suman expressed hope that it would maintain standards of women’s safety. “During the CPM or Trinamool era, the safety of women was assured. I hope that the new government maintains that trend,” he said.
He added that he would continue to support Trinamool as a voter, but indicated openness to other political affiliations.
“If I still vote, I will vote for Trinamool. However, if such a communist party comes, I will try to become their member even at this old age. I will sing for them. I will stand by them,” he said.
