3 NCPI MPs Meet Amit Shah Amid Uncertainty

Three NCPI MPs from Bengal, Khalilur Rahaman, Yusuf Pathan, and Abu Taher Khan, met with Union Home Minister Amit Shah on August 6, 2026, amidst uncertainty over their stance on joining the NDA or BJP. The MPs raised concerns over the SIR exercise in Murshidabad district, which has seen a high number of deletions, and restrictions on the use of loudspeakers in mosques.

The three MPs, who represent the Murshidabad district, also met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on August 7, 2026, along with other NCPI MPs. This meeting was part of a series of meetings between NCPI MPs and the BJP leadership.

Abu Taher Khan and Khalilur Rahman met with Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on August 8, 2026, and reiterated their stance against joining the BJP or NDA. The MPs stated that they want to raise issues affecting the district's minority population, including the deletion of names during the SIR exercise and restrictions on the use of microphones in mosques.

The Murshidabad district has a Muslim population of 70%, and the MPs' concerns are significant in this context. The SIR exercise in West Bengal has resulted in the deletion of 27 lakh names, according to Akhruzzaman, Opposition chief whip in the West Bengal Assembly.

The three MPs from Murshidabad do not want to be seen as colluding with the BJP, as it may affect their electorate. Their stance has raised questions about the unity of the NCPI, as 17 other NCPI MPs have indicated their support for the NDA.

## Why it matters The meetings between NCPI MPs and the BJP leadership have significant implications for the political landscape of West Bengal. The NCPI MPs' concerns over issues affecting Muslims in Murshidabad highlight the importance of addressing the needs of minority populations in the state. The uncertainty over the NCPI MPs' stance on joining the NDA or BJP also raises questions about the future of the party and its relationships with other political entities in the state.

The background of the NCPI MPs' decision to part ways with Trinamool Congress chairperson Mamata Banerjee and merge with the NCPI adds context to their current stance. The MPs' desire to raise issues affecting the district's minority population and their reluctance to be seen as colluding with the BJP reflect the complexities of political alliances and the need for representation of diverse interests in the state.