A fresh political controversy has erupted in West Bengal after the Trinamool Congress released a purported video of Humayun Kabir, alleging his proximity to senior leaders of the Bharatiya Janata Party and calling for an investigation by the Enforcement Directorate (ED).
At a press conference in Kolkata, TMC leaders circulated the clip, claiming it showed Kabir speaking about alleged links with Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari and Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. The party further alleged that Kabir expressed willingness to go to “any extent” to unseat Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.
However, the authenticity of the video has not been independently verified.
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Allegations of ‘Multi-Crore Plot’ and Electoral Strategy
The TMC escalated its claims by alleging that the video points to a larger conspiracy involving significant financial backing to influence electoral outcomes. According to the party, Kabir was purportedly heard discussing a strategy to divert minority votes away from the ruling TMC, potentially benefiting the BJP.
Senior leaders also claimed that the video included references to a large financial arrangement and suggested coordination with political figures beyond West Bengal. The party even alleged that the Prime Minister’s Office was part of a broader plan to defeat Mamata Banerjee in upcoming elections.
Reacting strongly, senior TMC leader Firhad Hakim accused Kabir of working in tandem with the BJP to mislead minority voters. He described the alleged contents of the video as evidence of a “deep-rooted conspiracy” aimed at manipulating electoral outcomes.
Another senior minister, Aroop Biswas, echoed similar concerns, stating that if the video’s claims were verified, it would confirm long-standing allegations about attempts to influence the state’s political landscape through indirect actors.
TMC state general secretary Kunal Ghosh formally demanded a probe by the Enforcement Directorate into the matter.
BJP Rejects Claims, Calls It ‘Theatrics’
The BJP dismissed the allegations outright, accusing the TMC of resorting to “cheap theatrics” amid declining political support. Party spokesperson Debajit Sarkar claimed the ruling party was attempting to create a narrative to counter its own electoral challenges.
He also alleged that the controversy could be a “manufactured episode” aimed at confusing voters and impacting the BJP’s vote share.
Humayun Kabir Denies Allegations, Calls Video ‘AI-Generated’
Rejecting all allegations, Humayun Kabir described the video as fabricated and claimed it was generated using artificial intelligence to damage his reputation. He challenged the TMC to provide concrete details about the alleged meetings and interactions referenced in the clip.
Kabir also warned of legal action, stating he would file defamation cases against Mamata Banerjee, Abhishek Banerjee, and other senior TMC leaders if they failed to substantiate their claims.
He further accused the ruling party of attempting to malign him out of fear of losing support among minority voters, arguing that the controversy itself disrespects the community by attributing fabricated statements to him.
The row has intensified political tensions in West Bengal, with accusations and counter-accusations flying between major parties. The controversy also brings into focus the growing role of digital manipulation concerns, including the potential misuse of AI-generated content in political campaigns.
As demands for an official investigation grow, the episode is likely to remain a key flashpoint in the state’s evolving electoral battle.
