In a development amid escalating political turbulence within the Trinamool Congress (TMC), Kolkata Mayor Firhad Hakim has decided to step down from his post, party sources said on Wednesday.
According to sources, Hakim had earlier conveyed his desire to resign to former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, citing increasing administrative challenges in running the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC). His request has now been accepted, paving the way for his exit after serving as mayor for several years.
Hakim is understood to have expressed concerns over growing difficulties in implementing administrative decisions and navigating operational complexities within the civic body. Seeking to step aside with dignity, he approached the party leadership, which ultimately agreed to his request.
TMC MLA Kunal Ghosh confirmed the development, stating that Hakim had repeatedly expressed his wish to resign.
“He had conveyed his desire to step down multiple times to Mamata Banerjee. After considering all aspects, she agreed, ensuring that his dignity remains intact,” Ghosh said.
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Ghosh further revealed that the issue was also discussed during an administrative meeting held at Nabanna, the state secretariat, earlier in the day under the supervision of the Chief Minister. Several MLAs attended the meeting, where concerns were raised regarding administrative hurdles within the KMC. It was decided that the Municipal Commissioner would now work in closer coordination with MLAs.
“In this context, Hakim sought an honourable exit, which was approved,” Ghosh added.
Hakim’s resignation comes on a day of major political developments in the state. Earlier, a dissident faction within the TMC secured recognition as the Opposition in the Assembly with the support of 58 MLAs, while the party leadership moved to dissolve all committees across West Bengal, signalling a deep internal crisis.
Notably, Hakim holds the distinction of being the first minority mayor of the KMC, which was established in 1876. He first assumed office as mayor in November 2018 while serving as the state’s Urban Development Minister and continued in the role after being re-elected in 2021 as an MLA from the Kolkata Port constituency and councillor of Ward No. 82.
Having managed both ministerial and mayoral responsibilities simultaneously for nearly eight years, his decision to resign marks a significant shift in the state’s political and administrative landscape.
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