'I am diehard secular, patriotic Indian': Bengal minister Firhad Hakim after row over comments
Kolkata, Dec 15: Under attack from the BJP, Congress and a section of Hindu monks for his purported remarks about "low percentage of Muslims in West Bengal and India", senior state minister and TMC leader Firhad Hakim on Sunday asserted his strong belief in secular and patriotic values.
Addressing minority students at an event here on Friday, the state Municipal Affairs and Urban Development Minister had purportedly said, "In West Bengal, we (Muslims) are 33 per cent and nationwide, we are 17 per cent."
Advocating that minorities should strive for reaching a position where they can assert themselves more forcefully and their call for justice is acknowledged, Hakim had said, "We may be minorities numerically, but by Allah's grace, we can become so powerful that we will not need to hold candlelight rallies for justice. We will be in a position where we will become the majority in the true sense of empowerment."
Asked about the row triggered by his comments, Hakim told reporters on Sunday on the sidelines of a programme, "I am a diehard secular and patriotic Indian. No one can question my secular values and love for my country. Period."
Senior monk of Bharat Sevashram Sangha (BSS), Kartik Maharaj, alleged that instead of laying emphasis on education and economic uplift of Muslims, Hakim spoke about increasing their numbers, "which will aid and abet infiltration in the state".
"We would not have minded had Firhad Hakim solely talked about undertaking economic development measures for Muslims. But analyse why he referred to the percentage of Muslims in our population. Does he wish to turn West Bengal into another Bangladesh?" Maharaj said at a religious event 'Lakh kanthe Gita paath' (chanting Gita in one lakh voices) at Siliguri on Sunday.
Former BJP MP Dilip Ghosh said Hakim's comments "reveal the gameplan of communal elements in TMC to turn West Bengal into Bangladesh, and secede it from India".
Former Congress MP Adhir Ranjan Choudhury said, "Both BJP and TMC are playing the dangerous game of religion-based politics. While the BJP is encouraging Hindu fundamentalists to consolidate its position among the majority vote bank, the TMC is cosying up with both Hindu and Muslim fundamentalists for narrow political gains."
"The comments of Firhad Hakim reveal the sinister gameplan to indulge Muslim fundamentalist elements," the former PCC president said.
Hakim, in his speech, had purportedly stressed Muslims' need to work towards a position where their "voices are automatically heard". He also highlighted the under-representation of Muslims in the judiciary. Hakim suggested that through empowerment and hard work, this gap could be bridged.
A video of Hakim's speech went viral on social media, but its authenticity could not be independently verified by PTI.
Defending Hakim, TMC spokesperson Kunal Ghosh said the minister's comments were deliberately misinterpreted and twisted.
"What he meant was the uplift of a large number of minority community members so that they can join mainstream society and contribute to nation-building. Certain elements are trying to give a different spin to his views," Ghosh said.
He further asserted that Hakim's secular and liberal values are well-known, and that he actively participates in various religious festivals while promoting communal harmony.
BJP's IT cell in-charge Amit Malviya criticised Hakim's statement, accusing him of suggesting that West Bengal and India will soon have a Muslim majority.
He claimed Hakim's vision hinted at Muslims taking justice into their own hands, potentially signalling support for Sharia law.
"Kolkata's Mayor Firhad Hakim previously revealed his true intentions by describing non-Muslims as 'unfortunate' and endorsing Dawat-e-Islam's efforts to convert Hindus to Islam. He has now claimed that West Bengal, along with the rest of India, will soon have a Muslim majority," Malviya posted on X.
"Hakim envisions a future where Muslims will no longer rely on peaceful protests or marches but will take justice into their own hands, potentially hinting at Sharia law," he added.
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Karnataka: SP’s gunman among two arrested for extorting money from rice smuggler
Ballari (Karnataka) (PTI): An armed police constable serving as the district superintendent of police’s personal gunman, along with his accomplice, was arrested for allegedly extorting money from a rice smuggler, police said on Friday.
Devaraj, who had been serving as the SP’s gunman for the past four and a half years, was identified as the mastermind behind the incident.
Following an investigation, Devaraj and his accomplice Sairam were arrested on May 6, while efforts are underway to nab a third accused, Gadilinga, a practising advocate in Ballari, who is absconding, police said.
The matter came to light after a complaint was filed by Sharabappa, a habitual offender allegedly involved in illegal rice transport, they added.
According to police, the incident occurred on the intervening night of April 27 and 28, when a group of masked men intercepted Sharabappa’s rice-laden vehicles near the Moka forest area.
The accused allegedly introduced themselves as members of an “SP squad”, threatened to seize the vehicles and file criminal cases, and demanded money to avoid legal action.
Police said the accused initially demanded Rs 5 lakh and later extorted around Rs 3 lakh from the complainant.
Investigation revealed that Devaraj was the main person involved in demanding and collecting the money, while Sairam and Gadilinga were also involved in the offence. Sairam was allegedly involved in similar activities earlier as well.
Devaraj and Sairam were arrested under Sections 308(2) (extortion) and 3(5) (common intention) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
Police also seized the extorted cash, the four-wheeler, and mobile phones allegedly used in the crime. Efforts are underway to trace Gadilinga.
Addressing a press conference, Ballari Superintendent of Police Suman D Pennekar described the incident as a serious offence that has tarnished the image of the police department.
"There is no official ‘SP squad’ or ‘DSP squad’ operating in the district. Such labels are often misused by impostors or corrupt individuals to commit extortion," the SP clarified.
She said no involvement of other police officers has been found so far.
Departmental proceedings have been initiated against Devaraj, and suspension proceedings are underway. The SP added that strict action will be taken against anyone involved in such offences.
Police said Sharabappa, the complainant, is a known habitual offender involved in illegal rice smuggling, and several cases have already been registered against him in the Moka and Peddihalli areas. A separate case has also been registered against him in connection with rice smuggling on the night of the incident.
Authorities are also exploring the possibility of initiating externment proceedings against him under applicable legal provisions.
The SP urged the public to report any extortion attempts by persons claiming to be part of an “SP squad”, assuring that the identity of informants will be kept confidential.
