In the clip, Humayun Kabir is allegedly heard claiming that he is working to defeat Mamata Banerjee with support from BJP leaders. (Express Photo/Partha Paul)The Trinamool Congress (TMC) Thursday alleged that Aam Janata Unnayan Party (AJUP) chief Humayun Kabir demanded Rs 1,000 crore from the BJP and was in touch with Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari and Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, citing a video.The video, purportedly featuring Kabir, has surfaced on social media, sparking fresh political controversy in poll-bound West Bengal. In the clip, he is allegedly heard saying he is working to defeat West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee with the support of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders.The authenticity of the video has not been verified by The Indian Express.In the press conference addressed by Firhad Hakim, Aroop Biswas, and Kunal Ghosh, during which the TMC showed the video, the ruling party alleged that the BJP was trying to play politics based on religion and accused Humayun Kabir of trying to split Muslim votes.” ….This video is an example of the various ways the BJP is carrying out electoral manipulation. The BJP is creating ‘B’ teams and ‘C’ teams to split the votes. They are using people like Humayun Kabir to divide the Muslim vote,” said Ghosh.“This video exposes Humayun Kabir, where he said he is getting Rs 1,000 crore, and PMO is also included in this. We want to know which PMO official he is talking about. Everyone needs to be identified, and we need an investigation. ED should issue an official notice to Humayun Kabir; he must be interrogated. ED probes money trail, here money is involved, they must probe this,” Ghosh added.“They were disrespecting Bengal. The BJP is using Humayun Kabir, who is a palturam (turncoat) and has changed his party several times,” said Hakim.Story continues below this ad‘Religious sentiments are being used to buy and sell votes’In the purported video, Humayun can be heard saying, “Muslims are very innocent. It is very easy to fool them. I want to remove Mamata at any cost. I have spoken to Suvendu Adhikari, who said he would introduce me to central leadership in Delhi. I have also been in touch with the PMO.”“The Hindus who trust Mamata Banerjee know very well that 90–100% of Muslim support lies with her. If that Muslim vote shifts, Hindus will see that Mamata Banerjee can no longer stay in power. Then they will have only one alternative, which is the BJP,” he can be heard saying.Kabir can also be heard saying in the purported video that he “had a conversation with the Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari”. “They asked me to go to Delhi. Assam CM will be in charge of this… I was assured that ‘If we come to power, then you will be offered the post of Deputy CM’,” he says.Story continues below this adFirhad Hakim attacked Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma and AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi over this.“This incident is shameful. It is evident in the video how religious sentiments are being used to buy and sell votes. When the BJP failed to stop Bengal even through central agencies, SIR, they resorted to triggering religious emotions from behind the scenes. They are playing a dirty game by using a turncoat leader and another leader from Hyderabad. I strongly condemn this manipulation of the religious sentiments of the Muslim community.”“He is trading emotions in the name of the masjid. He is demanding Rs 1,000 crore and an advance of Rs 300 crore. Are we, the people of the Muslim community, so brainless that we will remain silent while someone sells our religious sentiments? I leave this question to the Muslim community,” he said.Sweety Kumari is a seasoned journalist reporting from West Bengal for The Indian Express. With over a decade of experience in the media industry and eight years specifically with The Indian Express, she demonstrates considerable Expertise and Authority across a diverse range of critical beats. Experience & Authority Current Role: Journalist, The Indian Express, reporting from West Bengal. Extensive Tenure: Over 10 years of experience in the media industry, with a long association (8 years) with The Indian Express, contributing to a high level of Trustworthiness. Diverse Coverage: Covers crucial beats including Crime, Defence, Health, and Politics, alongside writing on trending topics. Investigative Focus: Possesses a keen eye for investigative and human-interest stories, demonstrating depth and skill in impactful journalism. Beat Versatility: Has honed her craft across diverse beats, including aviation and reporting on various incidents, ensuring well-rounded and comprehensive reportage. Career Start: Began her journalistic journey as an Entertainment and lifestyle journalist with a news portal in Kolkata, providing a foundational understanding of media landscape and audience engagement. Education Advanced Education: Holds a PG in Mass Communication from Jadavpur University, equipping her with advanced media theory and skills. Undergraduate Education: Holds an Honours degree in Journalism from Jaipuria College. Multilingual Skill: Her fluency in English, Hindi, Bengali, and Maithili enhances her reach and capability to connect with diverse sources and communities in the region, adding a layer of accessibility and authenticity to her reporting. Regional Roots: Originally from Bihar, she was brought up and educated in Kolkata (Kendriya Vidyalaya Salt Lake), giving her a deep, personal understanding of the cultural and political nuances of her reporting region. Sweety Kumari's combination of significant experience, specialization in key beats like Crime and Politics, and strong academic background makes her a trusted and authoritative contributor to The Indian Express. ... Read MoreStay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram© The Indian Express Pvt Ltd