Amit Shah: No BJP Alliance with Babri Masjid Proponent in Bengal
Union Home Minister Amit Shah strongly dismissed claims of an alliance between BJP and Humayun Kabir, stating the party would not align with those advocating for a Babri Masjid in Bengal. This comes amid a controversy over a purported video alleging a ₹1,000 crore deal between Kabir and BJP, which Kabir denies as fabricated.
Key Highlights
- Amit Shah denies BJP alliance with Humayun Kabir, citing ideological differences.
- Shah asserts BJP would rather be in opposition than ally with 'Babri' mosque proponents.
- Controversy arose from a video alleging a ₹1,000 crore deal between Kabir and BJP.
- Humayun Kabir, former TMC MLA, denied the video, claiming it was AI-generated.
- Kabir was suspended from TMC for proposing a Babri-style mosque in Murshidabad.
- AIMIM ended its alliance with Kabir's party following the video controversy.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah, during a press conference in Kolkata on Friday, April 10, 2026, vehemently denied any possibility of an alliance between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Humayun Kabir, a former Trinamool Congress (TMC) MLA now leading the Aam Janata Unnayan Party (AJUP). Shah's strong remarks came in the wake of a burgeoning controversy surrounding a purported video. In this video, a person resembling Humayun Kabir was allegedly heard discussing a multi-crore deal, specifically a '₹1,000 crore deal', with the BJP to dislodge the Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress in the upcoming West Bengal Assembly elections.
Addressing the media after releasing the BJP's manifesto for the Bengal polls, Shah directly refuted the allegations, stating that the BJP and Humayun Kabir were like the 'North Pole and the South Pole' and could never forge an alliance. He emphasized the BJP's ideological stand, asserting that the party would 'rather sit in the opposition for 20 years than sit with those who talk about building a Babri Masjid in Bengal.' Shah also cast doubt on the authenticity of such videos, remarking on West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's capabilities, saying, 'You do not know Mamata Banerjee's capabilities. She can make 2,000 such videos.'
Humayun Kabir, who is currently an MLA from the Bharatpur constituency in West Bengal, has been at the center of political controversy for some time. He was suspended from the Trinamool Congress in December 2025 after he announced plans and subsequently laid the foundation stone for a mosque modeled on the demolished Babri Masjid in Beldanga, Murshidabad district. Kabir framed this project as an 'emotional restitution' for the 1992 demolition of the Babri Masjid in Ayodhya. Following his suspension from TMC, Kabir launched his own political outfit, the Aam Janata Unnayan Party (AJUP), which aimed to contest the West Bengal elections.
The recently surfaced video, which allegedly depicts Kabir discussing a financial agreement with the BJP to influence the elections by splitting minority votes, has further intensified the political heat in West Bengal. The Trinamool Congress had released this audio clip, accusing Kabir of being the 'B-team' of the BJP and engaging in a clandestine agreement to create and foment religious division. However, Kabir has strongly denied these allegations, describing the video as 'fabricated' and 'generated through artificial intelligence.' He challenged the Trinamool Congress to provide proof of his alleged meetings with BJP leaders and threatened legal action, stating he had no such deal with the BJP.
The controversy has also impacted Kabir's political alliances. His fledgling alliance with Asaduddin Owaisi's All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) collapsed shortly after the 'deal' video emerged. AIMIM announced its decision to withdraw from the previously declared alliance with AJUP, citing that it could not associate with statements that questioned the integrity of Muslims. AIMIM stated that 'Humayun Kabir's revelations have shown how vulnerable Bengal's Muslims are' and that the party would now contest the West Bengal elections independently. Kabir, however, maintained that AIMIM's decision would not affect his party's prospects and affirmed that AJUP would fight the assembly polls alone.
The political landscape in West Bengal is highly charged, with the upcoming elections seeing intense competition and strategic maneuvers. The issue of the Babri Masjid and its symbolic significance continues to be a potent factor in Indian politics, particularly in states with significant minority populations like West Bengal. The statements by high-profile leaders like Amit Shah, coupled with controversies involving local politicians, underscore the complex interplay of religion, identity, and electoral strategies in the state.
This incident highlights the volatile nature of election campaigning, where accusations of political deals, fabricated media, and communal polarization become central to the discourse. Both the BJP and TMC are keen to consolidate their respective vote banks, and any issue that can potentially sway public opinion is heavily utilized by political parties. The swift reactions from national leaders and the breaking of alliances demonstrate the immediate and far-reaching consequences of such controversies on the political dynamics of West Bengal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Amit Shah say regarding an alliance with Humayun Kabir?
Union Home Minister Amit Shah explicitly stated that the BJP would not ally with Humayun Kabir or those advocating for a Babri Masjid in Bengal, likening their positions to the North and South Poles. He said the BJP would prefer to sit in opposition for 20 years rather than form such an alliance.
Why is Humayun Kabir a controversial figure in West Bengal politics?
Humayun Kabir, a former TMC MLA, was suspended from his party for proposing and laying the foundation stone for a mosque in Murshidabad modeled after the demolished Babri Masjid. He later formed his own party, AJUP, and has been involved in a controversy surrounding a purported video alleging a deal with the BJP.
What is the '₹1,000 crore deal' controversy about?
The controversy stems from a purported video released by the Trinamool Congress, in which Humayun Kabir is allegedly heard discussing a '₹1,000 crore deal' with the BJP to split minority votes and destabilize the TMC in West Bengal elections. Kabir has denied the video's authenticity, claiming it is fabricated and AI-generated.
How has the controversy affected Humayun Kabir's political alliances?
Following the surfacing of the '₹1,000 crore deal' video, Asaduddin Owaisi's AIMIM, which had initially allied with Kabir's AJUP, announced its decision to snap ties. AIMIM stated it could not associate with statements that questioned the integrity of Muslims and would now contest the elections independently.
What is the significance of the Babri Masjid issue in West Bengal elections?
The proposal by Humayun Kabir to build a Babri Masjid-style mosque in Murshidabad has become a significant and highly polarizing issue in West Bengal politics, particularly in the run-up to the elections. It has been used by various parties to consolidate Hindu or Muslim votes and is seen as a factor influencing communal dynamics and electoral outcomes.
