‘₹1,000 crore BJP link’: TMC sting on Humayun Kabir sparks AIMIM split

The All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) has withdrawn its alliance with Humayun Kabir’s Aam Janata Unnayan Party (AJUP) following a political storm triggered by a purported sting video released by the Trinamool Congress (TMC).

The ruling party claimed the video showed Kabir making controversial remarks about Muslims in West Bengal and alleging links with the BJP, even suggesting contact with the Prime Minister’s Office. It also accused the PMO of being part of a broader plan to unseat Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in the upcoming Assembly elections.

Kabir, who was earlier suspended by the TMC before forming his own party, dismissed the video as “AI-generated” and called it a politically motivated smear campaign. He denied any links with BJP leaders and said he would pursue defamation cases against senior TMC figures.

The video, which could not be independently verified, allegedly features Kabir making inflammatory remarks about Muslims, referring to the Babri Masjid issue, and outlining an alleged plan involving large sums of money to influence electoral outcomes. The TMC has demanded an Enforcement Directorate probe into the claims.

AIMIM walks out

The controversy has had immediate political fallout, with AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi announcing the end of the party’s alliance with Kabir’s outfit.

In a statement, AIMIM said it could not be associated with any remarks that question the integrity of Muslims and confirmed it would now contest the West Bengal Assembly elections independently.

The break comes just weeks after Owaisi had announced the alliance with AJUP for the state polls.

Kabir hits back

Rejecting all allegations, Kabir said he had not been in contact with any BJP leader since 2019 and challenged his opponents to produce evidence. He accused Mamata Banerjee, TMC national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee, and other party leaders of orchestrating a fabricated sting using AI tools to malign him.

Calling it an attempt to polarise voters, Kabir urged the Muslim community not to be misled by what he termed a “fake video.”

Elections ahead

The political face-off comes just weeks before polling in the 294-member West Bengal Assembly, scheduled in two phases later this month, adding another layer of tension to an already heated electoral battle.