In a significant political development ahead of the West Bengal Assembly polls, Asaduddin Owaisi-led All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) has ended its alliance with a party headed by Humayun
Kabir.
The decision comes in response to recent remarks and disclosures attributed to Kabir, which the AIMIM said raised serious concerns about the “integrity of Muslims.” In a strongly worded post, the AIMIM on Friday said it “cannot associate with any statements where the integrity of Muslims is brought into question,” confirming that the alliance has been terminated with immediate effect. Follow for live updates
The party also reiterated its concerns over the socio-economic condition of Muslims in the state, stating that the community continues to remain “one of the poorest, neglected and oppressed,” despite years of governance by parties advocating a secular framework, including the All India Trinamool Congress and earlier regimes.
“Humayun Kabir’s revelations have shown how vulnerable Bengal’s Muslims are. That AIMIM cannot associate with any statements where integrity of Muslims is brought into question. As of today, AIMIM has withdrawn its alliance with Kabir’s party. Bengal’s Muslims are one of the poorest, neglected and oppressed communities. Despite decades of secular rule, nothing has been done for them. AIMIM’s policy in contesting elections in any state is so that the marginalised communities have an independent political voice. We will be contesting the Bengal elections INDEPENDENTLY and have will have no alliance with any party going forward,” the party tweeted.
Reaffirming its political strategy, AIMIM said it will contest the upcoming polls independently, without entering into alliances. The party emphasised that it aims to provide marginalised groups with an independent political platform.
Kabir, who was expelled from the All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) following controversy over a proposal related to the Babri Masjid in Murshidabad, later formed the Aam Janata Unnayan Party.
Elections for the 294-member Assembly will be held in two phases on April 23 and April 29, with counting scheduled for May 4.
