AIMIM Dumps Kabir, Owaisi Cancels Bengal Campaign
Sting row triggers alliance collapse; AIMIM to go solo ahead of high-stakes West Bengal polls
- AIMIM ends alliance with Humayun Kabir’s party before Bengal polls
- Owaisi cancels campaign tour amid sting controversy
- Kabir denies allegations, calls video AI-generated
- BJP, TMC trade barbs as minority vote politics heats up
GG News Bureau
Kolkata, 10th April: In a major political development ahead of the West Bengal Assembly elections, the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen led by Asaduddin Owaisi has snapped its alliance with suspended Trinamool MLA Humayun Kabir and his Aam Janata Unnayan Party (AJUP), following a controversy triggered by a purported sting video.
The decision comes just weeks before polling and marks a significant shift in the electoral landscape, particularly in constituencies with a sizeable minority voter base.
In a statement, AIMIM said it could not associate with any remarks that question the integrity of Muslims, asserting that Kabir’s revelations in the video raised serious concerns. The party also announced that it would now contest the elections independently, aiming to provide a distinct political voice to marginalised communities.
Owaisi has also cancelled his planned campaign tour in Bengal, which included joint rallies with Kabir in key locations such as Birbhum, Asansol, and Kolkata.
Sting Row Sparks Political Storm
The controversy erupted after the All India Trinamool Congress released a video allegedly showing Kabir discussing links with senior Bharatiya Janata Party leaders and claiming a deal worth ₹1,000 crore to defeat the Trinamool. The authenticity of the video, however, remains unverified.
The Trinamool has demanded a probe by central agencies, escalating the political confrontation.
Kabir has strongly denied the allegations, calling the video “AI-generated” and accusing the Trinamool of attempting to malign his image ahead of the elections. He has also threatened legal action if evidence is not produced.
Political Reactions Intensify
The BJP dismissed the episode as political drama, with senior leader Dilip Ghosh terming it “cheap theatrics” and questioning Kabir’s political relevance.
Kabir, who represents the Bharatpur constituency in Murshidabad, had earlier been suspended by the Trinamool and subsequently floated his own party in the run-up to the elections.
Impact on Minority Vote
The collapse of the AIMIM-AJUP alliance is likely to impact the minority vote dynamics in Bengal, where political competition is intensifying. AIMIM’s decision to go solo could fragment votes or create new equations in select constituencies.
With elections approaching, the development adds another layer of uncertainty to an already complex political contest in the state.
