Amit Shah Rejects Alliance with Humayun Kabir Amid ‘Sting Video’ Controversy
Union Home Minister Amit Shah has firmly dismissed reports of a political alliance between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and former Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Humayun Kabir. Speaking in Kolkata during the release of the BJP’s manifesto for the West Bengal elections, Shah stated that the party would rather remain in the opposition for 20 years than partner with individuals intent on building a “Babri Masjid” in the state.
The Humayun Kabir Controversy
The political storm erupted following the circulation of a purported sting video by TMC leaders. In the clip, Humayun Kabir—the founder of the Aam Janata Unnayan Party (AJUP)—is allegedly seen discussing a financial deal worth ₹1,000 crore with the BJP. The video suggests Kabir was in contact with senior BJP leaders to influence minority voting patterns and assist topple the government led by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.
Kabir, who was expelled from the TMC in 2025 due to his efforts to establish an Ayodhya-style mosque in Murshidabad, has denied the allegations. He described the video as a fabrication generated through artificial intelligence, noting that the clip does not provide context regarding who was speaking with him or the nature of the conversation.
Amit Shah’s Response
Amit Shah characterized the allegations as “political conspiracies” manufactured by the TMC. He used a stark metaphor to describe the incompatibility between the two parties, stating that Humayun Kabir and the BJP are like the “South Pole and the North Pole” and can never unite.
Shah further questioned the authenticity of the footage, suggesting that Mamata Banerjee is capable of producing “2,000 such videos” to mislead the public. His primary point of contention remains Kabir’s pledge to build a Babri Masjid in Bengal, which Shah cited as an absolute barrier to any potential cooperation.
Key Takeaways from the Row
- BJP’s Stance: Amit Shah explicitly ruled out any alliance with Humayun Kabir, prioritizing ideological opposition over electoral gains.
- TMC’s Allegation: The ruling party claims a ₹1,000 crore deal exists between the BJP and Kabir to secure Muslim votes.
- Kabir’s Defense: Humayun Kabir claims the video is AI-generated and has invoked the Narada sting case to question the TMC’s own record.
- Election Context: The controversy unfolds as West Bengal prepares for polls scheduled for April 23 and April 29, 2026.
Political Implications for Bengal
The clash highlights the high stakes of the upcoming elections, where the BJP is positioning itself as a strict ideological alternative to the TMC. By framing the issue around the “Babri Masjid” rhetoric, the BJP is reinforcing its stance to its core voter base while dismissing the TMC’s attempt to paint them as opportunistic in their pursuit of minority votes.
As the state moves toward the two-phase election, the authenticity of the viral video and the fallout between various political factions, including the AJUP and other regional players, will likely remain a central point of contention in the campaign trail.