In a massive blow to the Trinamool Congress in South 24 Parganas, the “strongman” of Bhangar, Arabul Islam, has officially joined the Indian Secular Front (ISF). On Thursday, Arabul visited Furfura Sharif and took the party flag from ISF MLA Naushad Siddiqui, ending days of intense speculation. This high-profile defection has raised a million-dollar question: Will the ISF field Arabul Islam against TMC heavyweight Saokat Molla in the Bhangar Assembly seat?

Venting his frustration against his former party, Arabul stated that he was consistently sidelined and mistreated by the TMC leadership despite his years of service. “The party I built with my sweat and blood didn’t give me the respect I deserved. My exit will not only impact Bhangar but also rattle the TMC in Canning,” Arabul remarked. He further emphasized that he would strictly follow the instructions of Naushad Siddiqui and that his loyalists are now shifting their allegiance to the ISF.

Naushad Siddiqui welcomed Arabul, stating that his entry would significantly strengthen the party’s grassroots presence. However, Naushad kept the suspense alive regarding Arabul’s candidacy, refusing to confirm if he would contest the polls. Historically, Bhangar has been a volatile battlefield where the TMC lost to the ISF in the last assembly elections. With Arabul now on Naushad’s side, the “Saokat vs. Arabul” rivalry is set to become the centerpiece of the 2026 electoral battle, potentially changing the political equations of the entire district.