Hyderabad, Apr 10 (TNT): In a latest political development ahead of the West Bengal Assembly elections, the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) on Friday announced the withdrawal of its alliance with Humayun Kabir’s party and declared that it will contest the elections independently in West Bengal, where goes to polls on April 23, with a second phase on April 29.
With just two weeks left for polling to begin, the West Bengal electorate stands at 6.75 crore voters, significantly lower than the 7.66 crore voters on the rolls before the SIR began in October 2025, as well as the 7.34 crore voters eligible to vote in the last Assembly election in 2021.
Except for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), all political parties in West Bengal had opposed the SIR.
The move comes amid controversy surrounding remarks and allegations linked to Kabir, which AIMIM said raised concerns over the integrity and representation of Muslims in the state.
In a statement posted on social media platform, AIMIM said the developments involving Kabir had exposed the vulnerability of Bengal’s Muslim community and asserted that the party could not remain associated with any statements or actions that bring the integrity of Muslims into question.
The Asaduddin Owaisi-led party said Bengal’s Muslims remain among the poorest, neglected and oppressed communities despite decades of “secular rule,” and stressed that AIMIM’s political objective is to provide marginalised communities with an independent voice.
The party further clarified that it would have no alliance with any political outfit going forward in West Bengal.
The split comes after a purported sting video circulated in political circles allegedly showed Humayun Kabir making controversial remarks and discussing political dealings, claims that have triggered a fresh political storm in the state.
Kabir has denied wrongdoing and reportedly termed the allegations politically motivated.
Political observers believe AIMIM’s decision to go solo may impact minority vote dynamics in several Muslim-dominated constituencies in West Bengal, particularly in districts such as Murshidabad and Malda, where regional and minority-focused parties are attempting to strengthen their presence ahead of the polls.
The development is being seen as a setback for efforts to forge a broader anti-establishment alliance among smaller parties in Bengal, with AIMIM now expected to chart an independent course in the high-stakes electoral battle.
TNT TS
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