Ahead of the West Bengal Assembly elections, the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) has withdrawn its alliance with former Trinamool Congress leader Humayun Kabir and his Aam Janata Unnayan Party (AJUP).
The decision was announced on Friday by AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi, who also cancelled his scheduled campaign rallies in West Bengal, where he was expected to share the stage with Kabir.
In a statement, the party said, “Humayun Kabir’s revelations have shown how vulnerable Bengal’s Muslims are. AIMIM cannot associate with any statements where the integrity of Muslims is brought into question.”
AIMIM to Go Solo, Focus on Marginalised Communities
The party made it clear that it will now contest the elections independently, without forming alliances with any political group in the state.
“AIMIM’s policy is to ensure that marginalised communities have an independent political voice. We will be contesting the Bengal elections independently and will have no alliance with any party going forward,” the statement added.
The move signals a shift in strategy for AIMIM, which had earlier attempted to build a coalition to strengthen its presence in the state.
‘Sting Video’ Triggers Political Fallout
The split comes after the Trinamool Congress released a purported sting video allegedly featuring Kabir. In the video, he is claimed to be speaking about links with senior leaders of the Bharatiya Janata Party and discussing an alleged multi-crore plan to influence the election.
The clip reportedly includes claims of a ₹1,000 crore deal and references to diverting minority votes in a way that could benefit the BJP. However, the authenticity of the video has not been independently verified.
The Trinamool Congress has demanded an investigation by central agencies into the matter, calling it a serious conspiracy.
Kabir Denies Allegations, Calls Video ‘AI-Generated’
Reacting strongly, Humayun Kabir rejected all allegations and termed the video “fake” and politically motivated.
“It is an attempt to malign me. This is an AI-generated video created to defame me because they fear losing Muslim votes,” Kabir said. He also threatened to file defamation cases against Trinamool leaders if they fail to provide proof.
Kabir further claimed that he has had no contact with BJP leaders in recent years and accused the ruling party of orchestrating a smear campaign.
Political War of Words Intensifies
The controversy has triggered sharp reactions across party lines. While the Trinamool Congress accused Kabir of working against the interests of the state, the BJP dismissed the allegations as “cheap theatrics.”
A senior BJP leader said, “These are political games being played ahead of elections. Such videos are often used for electoral gains.”
The episode has intensified the political battle in West Bengal, where minority votes are expected to play a crucial role.
Background: Kabir’s Political Journey
Humayun Kabir, an MLA from Murshidabad, was previously associated with the Trinamool Congress but was suspended last year amid controversy. He later launched his own party, AJUP, in a bid to enter the electoral fray independently.
He had recently drawn attention after announcing plans for a mosque modelled after the Babri Masjid, further adding to political debates in the state.
Elections Around the Corner
The West Bengal Assembly elections are scheduled to be held in two phases later this month, with counting set for early May.
With AIMIM now deciding to go solo and distancing itself from Kabir, the political equations in the state are likely to shift, especially in constituencies with significant minority populations.
