Union Home Minister Amit Shah dismissed any agreement between former Trinamool Congress legislator Humayun Kabir’s party and the BJP to influence the West Bengal Assembly elections, emphasizing their stark differences. Shah suggested that the leaked audio clip of Kabir promising support to the BJP was orchestrated by the ruling Trinamool Congress.
Responding to queries about the alleged ‘Kabir-BJP deal’ aimed at religious polarization in Bengal, Shah remarked on Mamata Banerjee’s capabilities, insinuating that she could fabricate similar videos. He firmly ruled out forming an alliance with Kabir’s party, highlighting ideological disparities and stating a preference for opposition over aligning with a party advocating the construction of the Babri Masjid in Bengal.
The controversy surrounding the purported Rs 1,000 crore deal surfaced after Trinamool leaders accused Humayun Kabir of colluding with the BJP to stoke religious tensions ahead of the elections. In a press conference, West Bengal Minister Firhad Hakim and Aroop Biswas released an audio clip allegedly featuring Kabir assuring BJP of electoral support through his new party, Aam Aadmi Unnayan Party (AAUP).
The leaked audio clip purportedly revealed Kabir’s commitment to securing Hindu votes for the BJP and dividing Muslim voters to overthrow the Trinamool Congress. Kabir also claimed close ties with the Leader of Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly, Suvendu Adhikari, and Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, pledging full support to the prospective BJP chief minister.
Accusations of the BJP attempting to sway the elections with financial influence arose following the leaked tape, prompting AIMIM, led by Asaduddin Owaisi, to sever ties with Kabir’s party and withdraw from their alliance.
