West Bengal: TMC out of Kolkata Municipal Corporation as CM Suvendu Adhikari dissolves Board, appoints administrator

Following Hakim’s resignation on June 5, the state government had issued a show-cause notice to the municipal corporation, warning that the absence of leadership could disrupt civic services and create obstacles for Kolkata residents.

The corporation was given until Monday to declare a new mayoral candidate. However, after the TMC failed to name Hakim’s successor within the three-day mandatory window, the state government moved forward with the dissolution.

According to the order, Pandey, as the administrator of the civic body, will oversee the daily operations until fresh elections, which are due later this year.

Hakim had resigned as Kolkata mayor, saying he could no longer discharge his responsibilities in the manner he believed the post required. His resignation came a day after Bidhannagar Mayor Krishna Chakraborty and her Chandannagore counterpart Ram Chakraborty quit their posts. There has been a series of resignations by TMC councillors and civic office-bearers across municipalities in different parts of the state since the party lost to the BJP in the Assembly elections.

Earlier in the day, Hakim met rebel TMC leader Ritabrata Banerjee in the Assembly, fuelling speculation that the four-time MLA and a long-time close aide of TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee may jump ship and join the dissidents’ camp.

Speaking to mediapersons after an hour-long meeting, Ritabrata, who claims to have the support of 60 MLAs, said he has a long-standing personal relationship with Hakim, but remained tight-lipped about immediate formal steps. “Bobby da (Firhad Hakim) is the former Mayor of Kolkata… he was at our place for a long time today… No signatures were done today because a separate letter will have to be given. When the Speaker returns, we will sit and discuss about those who want to submit letters,” Banerjee added.