Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday said the Bharatiya Janata Party would “rather sit in the opposition for 20 years” than ally with those “building the Babri Masjid in West Bengal,” as a political storm intensified over a viral ‘sting video’ involving Humayun Kabir.
The remarks come weeks ahead of the Assembly elections in West Bengal, where tensions between the BJP and the ruling Trinamool Congress have escalated.
Kabir at Centre of Political Controversy
The controversy began after a video surfaced online allegedly showing Kabir claiming links with senior BJP leaders and referring to a ₹1,000 crore deal to defeat the Trinamool Congress. The video’s authenticity has not been independently verified.
Kabir, who had earlier drawn attention for efforts to build a mosque styled after the Babri Masjid demolition structure in Ayodhya, denied the allegations and said the clip was “AI-generated” and part of a smear campaign.
“North Pole and South Pole”: Shah
Dismissing any possibility of alignment, Shah said, “Humayun Kabir and the BJP are like the North Pole and the South Pole. We can never align.”
He also accused Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of being capable of producing “2,000 such videos,” questioning the credibility of the sting.
BJP Leaders Dismiss Allegations
Other BJP leaders also rejected the claims made in the video. Senior leader Dilip Ghosh ridiculed Kabir, saying he did not deserve even ₹100 crore, let alone ₹1,000 crore.
State BJP chief Sukanta Majumdar termed the controversy “cheap theatrics” and asserted that the election would be a direct contest between the BJP and the Trinamool Congress.
Kabir Denies Charges, Alleges Conspiracy
Responding to the allegations, Kabir said, “It is an attempt to malign me by Trinamool, which fears losing Muslim votes. They have insulted the community by circulating such a fake video using AI.”
He also threatened legal action against those spreading the clip if no evidence is produced.
AIMIM Withdraws Support
The controversy has already had political fallout. The All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen announced it was ending its alliance with Kabir’s party, citing concerns over statements that could undermine the integrity of Muslims.
High Stakes Ahead of Bengal Polls
The developments come at a crucial time as West Bengal prepares for Assembly elections scheduled in two phases on April 23 and April 29, with counting on May 4. The ongoing war of words highlights the intensifying political battle in the state.
