Kolkata / Asansol, West Bengal, India
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate from Asansol South Assembly constituency, Agnimitra Paul, on Thursday dismissed allegations linking the party to a purported ₹1000 crore payment involving Humayun Kabir, calling the claims baseless.
Speaking in Kolkata, Paul questioned the logic behind the allegations and rejected any suggestion of financial dealings of that scale. “Why will BJP give ₹1000 crore to Humayun Kabir?” she asked, dismissing the claim outright.
She further asserted the party’s stance, stating that the BJP would not engage in such actions under any circumstances. “We would choose to stay in the opposition but will never do this,” Paul said, emphasizing that the party would rather remain out of power than resort to unethical practices.
Her remarks come amid a political controversy surrounding a video released by the Trinamool Congress (TMC), which allegedly involves financial transactions linked to Kabir. The issue has triggered sharp reactions from leaders across parties, with accusations and counter-accusations dominating the political discourse in the state.
The BJP has consistently denied the allegations, maintaining that the claims are politically motivated and aimed at deflecting attention from other issues. Meanwhile, opposition parties have used the controversy to question the role of money in elections and governance.
The broader political environment in West Bengal remains highly charged, with parties intensifying their campaigns ahead of the Assembly elections. Leaders from the BJP, TMC, and other parties are actively engaging in public rallies and media interactions, often addressing contentious issues and targeting opponents.
Political analysts note that such controversies, particularly those involving allegations of large sums of money, can influence public perception during elections, even as their authenticity remains subject to verification.
Paul’s statement adds to the BJP’s defence against the allegations, as the party continues to counter claims while focusing on its campaign narrative in West Bengal.
