West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday said the BJP is "spending crores of rupees to bring in a party from Hyderabad to divide Muslim votes", in an apparent reference to Assaduddin Owaisi-led All India Majlis-e-Ittehad-ul-Muslimeen (AIMIM).
The AIMIM, after its good show in the Bihar assembly polls, has announced to contest in next year's Bengal polls.
In the recently concluded Bihar elections, the AIMIM won five seats in the Muslims dominated Seemanchal region on the border of West Bengal.
"To divide the Muslim votes, the BJP is spending crores of rupees to bring in a party from Hyderabad. The plan is that BJP will eat into Hindu votes, and this Hyderabad party will eat into Muslim votes.
"In recent Bihar elections, they did the same thing. This party is a B-team of the BJP," Ms Banerjee said while addressing a rally here.
The political parties in West Bengal are apprehensive that political equations in the communally polarised state is set to witness significant changes as the sway of non-BJP parties over minorities, a key factor in several seats, appears to be set for a stiff challenge with AIMIM announcing that it will enter the poll fray in Bengal.
A deciding factor in nearly 100-110 seats in the state, the 30 percent Muslim population, till 2019, have acted as a bulwark of the TMC against its rivals, with most of them voting in favour of the party, considering it to be a "credible" force that can resist the saffron surge.
A section of the TMC leadership is apprehensive that with the entry of AIMIM, equations are likely to alter.
Elections to the 294-member West Bengal assembly are due in April-May next year.
"Left-BJP Nexus...": Mamata Banerjee Accuses Rivals Of RG Kar Hospital Vandalism Trinamool Leader Who Questioned Kolkata Hospital Removed From Party Post Mamata Banerjee Leads Rally Demanding Death Penalty For Rape-Murder Guilty Life On Earth Originates From One Ancestor, Older Than Previously Believed Kolkata Rape-Murder: Fractures, 150 mg Semen, Other Claims Denied By Cops Siddaramaiah's Swipe At Governor Amid Calls For Resignation: 10 Points Widows Living In UP Shelter Homes Send Handmade Rakhis To PM Modi Watch: Russian Woman Travels In Mumbai Local Train, Chats With Passengers Germany To Cut Down Military Aid For Ukraine In 2025: Report Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world.