NEW DELHI: Firhad Hakim, a close associate of Mamata Banerjee, on Monday signaled a potential softening of stance towards the new West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari and his Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government, as the Trinamool Congress (TMC) faces a massive internal rebellion.
The Kolkata Port MLA struck a conciliatory tone, expressing optimism about the state's development under the new administration. Speaking to news agency ANI, Hakim emphasized the need to rise above partisan politics for the welfare of the people. He remarked, "We have always said that we have to rise above party politics and work for the people. We have to focus on development. He (CM Suvendu Adhikari) has spoken about development, and that is a good thing. Kolkata and Bengal will certainly develop if we work together for development."
When asked whether he would share his experience as Kolkata Mayor with the new government, Hakim replied, "Time will tell, but we are all together. We are 100% with development."
These comments come at a critical juncture for the TMC, which is grappling with its biggest internal revolt following a crushing electoral defeat to the BJP. The rebellion has significantly weakened the party at both state and national levels. A faction led by Ritabrata Banerjee has garnered support from more than 50 MLAs, severely denting the TMC's strength in the assembly. In Parliament, rebel TMC MP Kakoli Dastidar has led a group of 20 MPs to the Nationalist Congress Party (NCPI), which has extended support to the National Democratic Alliance (NDA).
The TMC's internal strife has raised questions about its future political trajectory. Hakim's remarks suggest a possible shift in strategy, with some party members advocating for cooperation with the new government to ensure continued development in West Bengal.
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