The All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) on Friday said that it has ended its association with former Trinamool Congress leader Humayun Kabir, ahead of the surfacing of a controversial video that has ignited political tensions amidst the West Bengal Assembly elections.
The decision comes following the surfacing of an approximately 20-minute video online allegedly demonstrating Kabir making remarks about the Muslim community and discussing a purported financial deal worth Rs. 1,000 crore, which includes an advance payment of Rs. 200 crore. However, the footage has not been independently verified but has intensified the political discourse in the state.
Amidst the political uproar, AIMIM, on social media, clarified that it would no longer maintain an association with Kabir on his political outfit.
“AIMIM cannot associate with any statements where the integrity of Muslims is brought into question. As of today, AIMIM has withdrawn its alliance with Kabir’s party,” the statement said. Further alleging that, it would contest upcoming elections independently, without entering into alliances with any political group.
Furthermore, the party described Bengal’s Muslim population as “one of the poorest, neglected, and oppressed communities” and said AIMIM’s electoral participation in various states is aimed at providing marginalized communities with an independent political voice.
Following the controversy, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) has demanded an investigation by the Enforcement Directorate into alleged financial transactions mentioned in the video.
Meanwhile, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has dismissed the allegations and accused the ruling party of attempting to divert attention during the election campaign.
Kabir, a former TMC leader, has been a contentious figure in West Bengal politics. He was expelled from the party after he proposed the reconstruction of the Babri Masjid in Murshidabad, a statement that drew widespread criticism. Following his expulsion, he launched the Aam Janata Unnayan Party to contest elections independently.
AIMIM’s decision to contest alone aligns with its broader strategy of expanding beyond its traditional stronghold in Hyderabad by independently fielding candidates in multiple states. The move adds a new dimension to what is expected to be a closely contested and multi-polar electoral battle in West Bengal.
The West Bengal Assembly elections are scheduled to be held in two phases on April 23 and April 29, with results set to be declared on May 4. The 294-seat Assembly is expected to witness a multi-cornered contest, with AIMIM’s entry potentially influencing outcomes in key constituencies.
