Arabul Islam, a former Trinamool Congress MLA from the Bhangar constituency, is reportedly trying to leave the party just a day after the Election Commission announced the dates for the Assembly polls in West Bengal.
“They did not understand Arabul Islam. I have been sued five times and expelled three times. That is why I am resigning from Trinamool today with sadness in my heart," he said.
However, the resignation has not been officially confirmed.
There is also speculation that he may join the ISF party led by Naushad Siddiqui. Arabul is reportedly in Furfura Sharif today, where ISF leaders are gathered.
The former MLA said, "I will not say anything now, I will say it when the situation arises. But I can say one thing, what will happen in a day or two."
When asked about the speculations, ISF Chairman and Bhangar MLA Naushad Siddiqui said that Arabul was “used and discarded by the TMC." "Does Trinamool still take Shahjahan's name? There are many like him in their party. Those who are used and discarded after being used. However, he did not contact me. But he spoke to those who are at the district-level leadership. He expressed his desire to join ISF," he said
Another TMC leader, Kaiser Ahmed, is also reportedly trying to leave the party, sources told local news.
Arabul, who was a prominent leader, was expelled from the TMC after recent controversies. He is currently spending his days under house arrest.
According to sources, Arabul has been offered to contest from Canning Purba East on behalf of the ISF in the upcoming assembly elections.
Trinamool Congress MLA from Canning Purba East, Saokat Molla when asked about Islam, said, "We have expelled the traitors from the party. They are now heating up the market." He also warned, "If you have the power, stand from Bhangar with an ISF ticket!"
In 2024, he was arrested for the alleged involvement in the murder of an ISF worker and activist, Mohiuddin Molla, during the Panchayat elections. He spent about 5 months in jail.
He was later released on bail on July 2 and welcomed back into Bhangar by his supporters.
The TMC had also removed him from the post of Bhangar block convener before the last Lok Sabha elections.
Arabul was also removed as working Panchayat Samiti president by Bhangar 2 Panchayat Samiti Vice President and replaced by Sonali Bachar on June 9, 2024.
In 2012, Arabul was suspended from the TMC after one incident where he threw a jug at a college teacher's head. The party later withdrew the suspension.