AIMIM Ends Alliance with AJUP Amid Controversial Video Claims

AIMIM Cuts Ties with AJUP

The All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) has officially severed its alliance with Humayun Kabir's 'Aam Janta Unnayan Party' (AJUP). This decision follows the release of a controversial sting video by the Trinamool Congress (TMC), which allegedly features a former party leader making contentious remarks about Muslims in West Bengal and mentioning ties with the BJP. During a press conference, the ruling party accused the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) of being involved in a multi-crore scheme aimed at defeating Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in the upcoming West Bengal assembly elections.

Kabir Denies Allegations

Kabir, who was suspended from TMC late last year and subsequently formed AJUP, dismissed the video as "AI-generated." He accused TMC leadership of orchestrating a smear campaign against him and announced plans to initiate defamation proceedings against senior party officials.

Controversial Claims in the Video

In the video released by TMC, Kabir allegedly claims to have been in contact with the PMO and suggested coordination with leaders from BJP-ruled states, including opposition leader Suvendu Adhikari and Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. The footage also includes remarks suggesting that "it is easy to fool Muslims" and references to the Babri Masjid issue, along with a demand for 200 crore rupees in advance funding.

Political Fallout

The clip shows Kabir allegedly strategizing to divert minority votes away from TMC, claiming such a shift could benefit the BJP electorally. He purportedly mentions a plan worth 1,000 crore rupees, asserting that he has already received 200 crore rupees as an advance. TMC has called for an investigation by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) into the claims made in the video, although independent verification of the video's authenticity has not been achieved.

AIMIM's Official Statement

In light of the controversy, AIMIM announced its decision to end the alliance with Kabir's party. The party stated that it cannot associate with statements that question the integrity of Muslims and declared its intention to contest the West Bengal assembly elections independently.

Upcoming Elections

AIMIM emphasized that its policy for contesting elections in any state is to provide an independent political voice for marginalized communities. The West Bengal assembly elections, comprising 294 seats, are scheduled to take place in two phases on April 23 and April 29, with vote counting set for May 4.