TMC leader Firhad Hakim resigns as Kolkata mayor: ‘Can’t hold on to this chair and bring it into disrepute’

“Many people may say many things. But it was not possible to work in this manner,” Hakim said. “Here, Firhad Hakim is nobody. But the chair on which distinguished persons have sat has its own dignity. When I was mayor, I worked with authority and determination. I worked on relief efforts along with the people. From COVID to Amphan—it was a challenge for me. Now it is no longer possible. I cannot sit holding on to this chair and bring it into disrepute,” he added.

People close to Hakim alleged that the municipal commissioner’s role was increasing in administrative decision-making and day-to-day operations, and, as a result, he was facing various constraints in carrying out his responsibilities.

Hakim submitted his resignation to Kolkata Municipal Corporation chairperson Mala Roy.

“Many tasks remain incomplete. However, I extend my best wishes to those who will run the municipality in the days ahead. They will run it better than I did. I appeal to the new chief minister: please help people. The people will keep in power whoever provides the best service,” he said.

Hakim was the councillor of Ward No 82 of the Kolkata Municipal Corporation. He was elected as a councillor on a Trinamool Congress ticket in 2000, 2005, and 2010. In 2015, Hakim did not contest the municipal elections. In 2018, after becoming the mayor, Hakim won the by-election from the same ward. He was re-elected in 2021.

For the past few days, there were rumours that Hakim was set to resign with TMC MLA Kunal Ghosh claiming that he had discussed the matter with Mamata Banerjee.