New Delhi, March 23 (NationPress) In a significant political development, AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi has announced that his party will participate in the forthcoming Assembly elections in West Bengal in partnership with Humayun Kabir, a former member of the Trinamool Congress, and his newly established Aam Janata Unnayan Party (AJUP). In response, the Congress party sharply criticized this alliance, stating, "Thank you, Asaduddin Owaisi. You have removed your facade — the facade of secularism — and revealed your genuine communal identity to the world." The Congress labeled Owaisi as the "true ally" of the BJP.

The Congress further asserted that Owaisi has unveiled himself as the "B-team" of the BJP, reinforcing his role as a reliable supporter of the party.

In a statement to IANS, Congress spokesperson Surendra Rajput condemned the AIMIM-AJUP collaboration, reiterating, "Thank you, Asaduddin Owaisi. You have removed your facade — the facade of secularism — and revealed your genuine communal identity."

"You have not only shown that you are the B-team of the BJP, but also that you are a true ally of the BJP. There are allegations against Humayun Kabir regarding financial impropriety in forming his party. Are you receiving funding from Delhi? The populace is well aware and will demonstrate your standing in both the West Bengal and Hyderabad elections," he conveyed to IANS.

Congress MP Sukhdeo Bhagat also commented on the situation, stating, "When secular votes are fragmented, it invariably benefits the BJP. Owaisi is renowned for this, and frequent accusations are directed towards him. He indeed uses such strategies to ensure the division of votes, which is why we argue he functions as the BJP's B-team."

Echoing similar thoughts, Manoj Pandey, a spokesperson for the JMM, remarked, "I believe that Owaisi has achieved some success in a few states. He has bolstered the BJP's position while undermining secular parties and forces, which has elevated their morale. However, I contend that he will find no resonance within the political landscape of Bengal."

Furthermore, Rajeev Ranjan, National Spokesperson for JD(U), took a jab at the political scenario, articulating, "Whether it's Humayun Kabir or Owaisi, the reality is that the discord sown by Mamata Banerjee in the politics of West Bengal has cultivated numerous such characters who appear to propagate that discord. Nonetheless, when a natural alternative arises, such figures will hold no relevance, and their presence will be inconsequential in these elections."

Meanwhile, Bihar Minister Ram Kripal Yadav offered a more neutral stance, stating, "It is Owaisi’s party, and if he is preparing to contest elections, that is his autonomous decision. The party aspires to broaden its organization and has established a presence in various locations. Owaisi has resolved to contest, and since it is a democratic party, its leaders execute their responsibilities accordingly."

Polling for the 294-member West Bengal Assembly is slated for two phases — the first on April 23 and the second on April 29, with vote counting scheduled for May 4.

The AIMIM-AJUP alliance is anticipated to impact the electoral dynamics in Muslim-majority constituencies during the upcoming elections, which are predominantly viewed as a contest between the ruling Trinamool Congress and the opposing BJP.