– Shabana Javed
Kolkata: Senior Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader and minister Firhad Hakim has stirred controversy with his recent remarks about Muslims potentially becoming the majority. The TMC promptly distanced itself from his statement, issuing an official clarification on social media.
“The All India Trinamool Congress firmly disassociates itself from and strongly condemns the statement made by Shri Firhad Hakim, MIC GoWB. These comments do not reflect the party’s position or ideology,” read the statement.
Firhad Hakim, a prominent minority leader within TMC, holds significant roles in the West Bengal Cabinet under Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and serves as Mayor of Kolkata Municipal Corporation. In response to the backlash, Hakim sought to defuse tensions, emphasising that he is a secular person and will remain so throughout his life.
However, Opposition parties, especially the BJP, sharply criticised Hakim’s remarks, accusing him of attempting to foster communal discord. The controversy arose from Hakim’s comment:
“I belong to a community that constitutes 33% in Bengal but only 17% across India, and we are called a minority. I do not consider myself a minority. I believe that if Allah bestows His grace upon us, one day we will become the majority. With Allah’s support, we will achieve this. Candle marches and slogans like ‘We want justice’ won’t help. Instead, rise to a position where you don’t need to ask for justice but can deliver it yourself.”
The remarks provoked widespread criticism. Amit Malviya, head of BJP’s IT department, alleged that Hakim’s statement implied a future vision where Muslims would no longer rely on peaceful means to seek justice, potentially hinting at the imposition of Sharia law.
Malviya also voiced concerns about illegal migration into Kolkata, particularly by Rohingyas, which he claimed could disrupt the region’s demographic balance. Protests erupted in front of Kolkata Municipal Corporation, with the group Bangla Pokkho leading demonstrations demanding Hakim’s removal as mayor.
A video circulating on social media purportedly captures Hakim asserting that minorities would eventually become the majority and be empowered to deliver justice themselves rather than seeking it from others.
In response, Hakim clarified that his remarks were misconstrued by the BJP and were intended to address educational and social empowerment rather than religious demographics. He reiterated his identity as an Indian and a secular individual, calling for an end to the political controversy surrounding his comments.
