Kabir reportedly made the remarks while alleging that the police under Suvendu Adhikari were troubling him and his supporters.
“I will pray that very soon Allah takes Suvendu Adhikary. His police is disturbing us,” Kabir was quoted as saying.
In another statement, he reportedly said he would pray every Friday for Adhikari to die soon. While making the remarks, Kabir also referred to the deaths of political figures, including former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and Ajit Pawar.
The comments quickly drew attention amid the ongoing political tensions in West Bengal.
Kabir later changes his statement
Soon after the remarks, Kabir changed his position and said that he would instead pray for Adhikari’s long life.
“I will pray for the long life of Suvendu Adhikari. I want Suvendu to become the Prime Minister,” Kabir said, according to media reports.
Kabir also sought to explain his earlier comments, saying his criticism was directed at the police and what he described as their “autocratic” conduct. He alleged that the police were creating problems for him and his supporters.
Political tensions in Bengal
Kabir, who heads the Aam Janata Unnayan Party, has been involved in several political controversies in recent months. Ahead of the Rejinagar bypoll, he had announced that he would stay away from campaigning, citing alleged police action and administrative pressure against his supporters.
The latest remarks come against the backdrop of continuing political tensions in West Bengal and the upcoming Rejinagar bypoll.
