Kolkata mayor Firhad Hakim, who is reportedly rattled by the loss of control over the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) following Trinamool Congress's electoral defeat, is expected to step down this week, possibly on Friday. Sources indicate that Hakim has communicated his desire to resign to party chairperson Mamata Banerjee, expressing that he felt "suffocated" in his role and seeking her permission to leave the post.
Denial Amid Intensifying Speculation
On Wednesday, Hakim denied that he had submitted his resignation, stating, "I have not resigned." However, speculation surrounding his departure has intensified, particularly after Trinamool Congress spokesperson Kunal Ghosh revealed that the mayor had requested "a dignified exit" as the state government had effectively rendered the KMC "defunct."
Official Statements
Ghosh elaborated on the situation, saying, "Firhad Hakim requested Mamata Banerjee to relieve him from the post of mayor as he could not work at all. The issue was discussed at Wednesday's administrative meeting, where it was stated that KMC had effectively been made defunct. Therefore, in order to protect his dignity, Mamata Banerjee allowed him to resign." The mayor has also been unsettled by the arrest of several councillors and the resignation of others, further complicating the political landscape in Kolkata.
As the city awaits an official announcement, the developments mark a significant shift in the leadership of the Kolkata Municipal Corporation and reflect ongoing challenges within the Trinamool Congress party.
