Kolkata: A major political controversy has erupted in poll-bound West Bengal after the Trinamool Congress released a purported sting footage. It allegedly features former party leader Humayun Kabir, triggering a fresh war of words with the BJP.
The TMC claims the video shows Kabir—now head of the Aam Janata Unnayan Party—discussing alleged links with senior BJP leaders and a plan to influence the upcoming Assembly elections. According to party leaders, the clip suggests a strategy to weaken Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee by fragmenting votes, particularly among minority communities.
In the video, which OdishaBytes couldn’t verify independently, the individual resembling Kabir is allegedly heard speaking about political coordination, financial deal, and efforts to defeat the ruling TMC government.
The TMC has demanded a probe by central agencies, alleging a “multi-crore conspiracy” and accusing the BJP of using proxy players to sway voters ahead of the high-stakes elections.
Adding to the controversy, reports suggest the video also contains claims of a massive financial arrangement—running into hundreds of crores—linked to influencing electoral outcomes and dividing minority votes.
Humayun Kabir has strongly denied the allegations. He has claimed that the video was made using AI and politically motivated. He has threatened legal action against those circulating the clip.
The BJP, too, has rejected the TMC’s charges. The development has also had political fallout beyond the TMC-BJP clash. The All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), led by Asaduddin Owaisi, has reportedly snapped ties with Kabir’s party amid the controversy.
At a press conference, TMC also alleged that the Prime Minister’s Office was part of a multi-crore plan aimed at defeating Mamata Banerjee. The video, as presented by the TMC, also included purported comments attributed to Kabir. In the video, it is being claimed that the leader suggested that “it is easy to fool Muslims” and references to the Babri Masjid issue. He allegedly demanded Rs 200 crore as advance funding.
He is further purportedly heard referring to a Rs 1,000 crore plan.
