Who is Humayun Kabir?
Once associated with the Trinamool Congress, Humayun Kabir was expelled from the party following a controversial proposal to build a Babri Masjid-style structure in Murshidabad. He subsequently formed the Aam Janata Unnayan Party to contest elections in West Bengal.
For the 2026 polls, Kabir’s Aam Aadmi Unnayan Party (AAUP) had been set to contest in alliance with the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), led by Asaduddin Owaisi.
However, following the latest ‘Rs 1,000 crore deal’ controversy, the Owaisi-led AIMIM on Friday announced its decision to withdraw from the previously declared alliance with Kabir.
Rs 1,000 Crore Deal Allegation with BJP and AAUP
The Trinamool Congress has accused Kabir and his newly floated AAUP of striking a Rs 1,000 crore deal with the BJP to split minority votes in key constituencies. According to the ruling party, this alleged strategy is aimed at weakening Trinamool’s electoral base in the upcoming polls.
At a joint press conference, senior leaders including Firhad Hakim, Aroop Biswas and party general secretary Kunal Ghosh released an audio clip purportedly featuring Kabir in conversation with an unidentified individual.
Audio Clip Controversy: What Was Allegedly Said?
In the audio clip, Kabir was allegedly heard discussing a strategy where the BJP would consolidate Hindu votes while he would help split Muslim votes to unseat the Trinamool government.He was also reportedly heard saying that his party would offer “cent per cent support” to a BJP-led government if it comes to power in the state. The clip further suggested that he claimed to be in contact with BJP leaders, including Suvendu Adhikari and Mohan Yadav.
The audio was released even as Prime Minister Narendra Modi was addressing a major rally in Haldia, adding to the political drama of the day.
ET.com could not independently verify the authenticity of the audio clip.
Trinamool Congress Reacts Strongly
Reacting to the development, Firhad Hakim criticised Kabir sharply, saying: “He can sell his conscience to the BJP for money. But common minority voters will never do that.”
The Trinamool leadership alleged that such tactics were aimed at misleading voters and disrupting the party’s support base ahead of the elections.
Humayun Kabir Denies Allegations
Kabir has strongly denied all allegations, calling them baseless and politically motivated.
“Rs 1,000 crore is a very big amount. I do not have even a Rs 1 crore deal with the BJP. Let them say anything they want. But first, they should give proof that I have met any BJP leader,” he said.
He also dismissed the audio clip as fabricated: “Trinamool Congress could not counter me politically, and hence they have resorted to such nasty things.”
Controversial Statement on Babri Mosque Construction
Kabir had earlier made a strong statement about his plan to construct a mosque in Beldanga, in Murshidabad district, modelled on the structure of the Babri Mosque in Ayodhya.
“I am ready to be a martyr in my mission. The construction work is going on in full swing and will be completed within the next two years,” he said.
The reference ties back to the Babri Masjid demolition, a deeply sensitive and historic issue in Indian politics.
Inputs from agencies
