Kolkata

A political controversy erupted in West Bengal on Thursday after an alleged video of Humayun Kabir surfaced on social media, purportedly showing him claiming links with senior BJP leaders and efforts to defeat Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in the upcoming Assembly elections.

At a press meet, the Trinamool Congress shared the purported video and demanded an Enforcement Directorate probe into Kabir’s alleged claims of proximity with Leader of Opposition in West Bengal Assembly, Suvendu Adhikari, Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and the Prime Minister’s Office as part of a multi-crore plan to defeat Banerjee in the polls.

In the video, which could not be independently verified by PTI, Kabir is allegedly heard saying he is willing to go to “any extent” to unseat Banerjee and has been in touch with senior BJP leaders, including Adhikari.

Kabir termed the video as AI-generated and aimed at maligning him and threatened to take legal action. Kabir, who founded the Aam Janata Unnayan Party days after he was suspended by the TMC late last year, is also purportedly heard claiming that he had communication with the PMO and was advised to coordinate with leaders from other BJP-ruled states.

The video further purportedly captures Kabir stating that his strategy revolves around diverting minority votes away from the ruling Trinamool Congress, suggesting that such a shift could benefit the BJP electorally.