Daijiworld Media Network – Kolkata

Kolkata, Apr 10: In a key political development ahead of the West Bengal Assembly elections, the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), led by Asaduddin Owaisi, has severed ties with the party headed by Humayun Kabir.

The decision follows recent remarks attributed to Kabir, which AIMIM said raised serious concerns regarding the “integrity of Muslims.” In a strongly worded statement, the party confirmed that it has withdrawn from the alliance with immediate effect, asserting that it cannot be associated with statements questioning the community’s integrity.

The party also highlighted the socio-economic condition of Muslims in West Bengal, stating that the community continues to remain among the “poorest, neglected and oppressed,” despite years of governance by parties advocating secular policies, including the All India Trinamool Congress and earlier regimes.

Reiterating its political stand, AIMIM announced that it will contest the upcoming Assembly elections independently, without forming alliances. The party said its objective is to provide marginalised communities with an independent political voice.

Humayun Kabir, who was earlier expelled from the Trinamool Congress following controversy over remarks linked to the Babri Masjid issue, had subsequently floated the Aam Janata Unnayan Party.

Elections to the 294-member West Bengal Assembly are scheduled to be held in two phases on April 23 and April 29, with counting slated for May 4.