Sanchita Chatterjee, BS News Agency: Humayun Kabir has come forward with fresh allegations, explaining the reasons behind the breakdown of his alliance with MIM. In response, his former ally, MIM, demanded proof and took a jibe at the Chairman of the ‘Aam Janata Unnayan Party.’
Immediately after a controversial 19-minute video surfaced, Asaduddin Owaisi’s party, MIM, severed its alliance with Humayun Kabir’s party. Now, facing the fallout of this controversy, the Chairman of the Aam Janata Unnayan Party has leveled accusations against them, alleging that they struck a ‘deal.’ He claims that, in an effort to corner the Aam Janata Unnayan Party ahead of the elections, the Trinamool Congress conspired with MIM to release a ‘fake video.’ He intends to take this matter to court. Speaking at a press conference held on Saturday afternoon in Beldanga, Murshidabad, Humayun took aim at the state’s ruling party as well as a section of the MIM leadership. He alleged that significant financial transactions took place between the Trinamool Congress and several MIM leaders. The outgoing MLA from Bharatpur asserted that the video—which has created a political stir across the state—lacks any authenticity. Furthermore, holding MIM’s West Bengal President, Imran Solanki, and Murshidabad District President, Asadul Sheikh, responsible for the collapse of the alliance, Humayun stated: “A ₹20 crore ‘deal’ was struck between these two leaders and the Trinamool MP from Jangipur, Khalilur Rahman, along with other Trinamool representatives. They have already received an ‘advance’ payment of ₹2 crore.” He further alleged: “Without verifying the authenticity of the video that surfaced, these MIM leaders accepted money from Trinamool leaders and forwarded the video to Asaduddin Owaisi; that is the sole reason why this alliance has fallen apart.”
Asadul, the MIM District President for Murshidabad, has flatly dismissed Humayun’s allegations. Taking a dig at his newly estranged ally, he remarked: “Humayun Kabir has lost his mind. Until he can prove that the video in question is ‘fake,’ MIM cannot stand by him. After the video came to light, we submitted a report to Asaduddin Owaisi.” "It is on this very basis that our party has decided to dissolve the alliance." He further added, "In the upcoming elections, we will not cede even an inch of ground to the Trinamool Congress. On April 13, 14, and 15, Mr. Asaduddin will campaign in the Raghunathganj Assembly constituency in support of our party candidate, Imran Solanki. We are confident of winning multiple seats across the state." On Thursday, the Trinamool Congress released a video alleging a "secret collusion" between Humayun and the BJP. In the video, the Chairman of the 'Aam Janata Unnayan Party' is heard demanding ₹1,000 crore from the BJP. He is also heard asking for an immediate payment of ₹200 crore (Anandabazar.com has not independently verified the authenticity of the video). In exchange, he is seen assuring the BJP of his full support for their Chief Ministerial candidate in West Bengal. He is also heard making remarks regarding the MIM party in the same video.
Humayun, however, has consistently maintained—right from the outset—that the video is a product of AI manipulation and has threatened to file a lawsuit in the High Court over the matter. Meanwhile, complaints have been lodged against Humayun at a total of three police stations. FIRs have been registered against him at the Maidan police station in Kolkata, the Rejinagar police station in Murshidabad, and the Suri police station in Birbhum. The allegations claim that Humayun is attempting to polarize the electorate through communal incitement. Separately, amidst this video controversy, several leaders of the Aam Janata Unnayan Party have quit the organization. Yet, despite all these developments, Humayun remains unyielding.