TMC condemns Firhad Hakim's remark on Muslim percentage, distances itself from it
Kolkata, Dec 16: Amid criticism over a controversial remark of senior Trinamool Congress leader and West Bengal minister Firhad Hakim on the Muslim percentage in the population, the ruling party in the state on Monday distanced itself from his statements and condemned them.
A controversy erupted after a purported video surfaced on Saturday of Hakim, the Mayor of Kolkata and the state's Urban Development and Municipal Affairs Minister, addressing a gathering of minority students.
In the speech, Hakim reportedly said, "In West Bengal, we (Muslims) are 33 per cent and nationwide, we are 17 per cent."
Advocating that minorities should strive to reach 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."
A video of Hakim's speech went viral, but its authenticity could not be independently verified by PTI.
Reacting sharply, the Trinamool Congress issued a statement on X on Monday distancing itself from Hakim's remarks.
"The All India Trinamool Congress firmly disassociates itself from and strongly condemns the statement made by Shri Firhad Hakim, MIC GoWB, at an event day before yesterday. These comments do not reflect the party's position or ideology. Our commitment to peace, unity, and communal harmony remains unwavering. Any remarks that threaten the social fabric of West Bengal will be met with strict measures," the party said in a post.
The remarks triggered a political storm, with opposition parties, particularly the BJP, accusing Hakim of attempting to stir communal sentiments.
BJP's West Bengal president and Union Minister of State for Education, Sukanta Majumdar, said, "This statement is not only divisive but also points towards creating a situation similar to Bangladesh. It is an open call to communal hatred."
Sources within the TMC said that the party's top brass expressed displeasure with Hakim's remarks, which came at a time when the party has been trying to counter the BJP's Hindutva politics.
Speaking informally to party colleagues, Hakim reportedly said his remarks were misinterpreted.
Hakim reportedly told party leaders that he was not speaking about a numerical majority. He was addressing the socio-economic backwardness of minorities and urging them to focus on education and skill development to become more empowered. He said he only meant that if minorities work hard and receive Allah's blessings, they can progress and gain respect in society, sources said.
Despite Hakim's clarification, the controversy has caused ripples within the TMC.
Political observers believe that the remarks have added to the challenges faced by the party, especially at a time when West Bengal Chief Minister and TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee has been projecting herself as a leader of inclusive governance by engaging with all communities.
Political analysts noted that Banerjee's recent efforts, such as overseeing the construction of a Jagannath temple in Digha, were aimed at countering the BJP's Hindutva narrative.
"Hakim's comments have complicated the party's messaging," a party functionary admitted on condition of anonymity.
On the sidelines of a programme on Sunday, Hakim had said, "I am a diehard secular and patriotic Indian. No one can question my secular values and love for my country. Period."
However, when approached by journalists on Monday, he refused to comment, saying, "I have nothing to say on this matter."
The BJP, on the other hand, has seized the opportunity to target the TMC.
Majumdar said, "Hakim's statement is an indication of implementing Sharia law in India. Such communal rhetoric is unacceptable and dangerous."
On Saturday, TMC state general secretary Kunal Ghosh had defended Hakim, saying his comments were misinterpreted.
"What he meant is the uplift of a large number of minority community members so they can join mainstream society and contribute to nation-building," Ghosh had 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.
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PM Modi has taken 'bold decisions' to combat terrorism, says HD Deve Gowda
New Delhi, May 6 (PTI): Former prime minister HD Deve Gowda on Tuesday said Prime Minister Narendra Modi had taken "bold decisions" to combat terrorism following the April 22 Pahalgam attack and affirmed his and his party's support for all the decisions to end the menace.
"We need to teach the terrorists a lesson. This is the first time that a prime minister has taken such bold steps. No prime minister has given such supreme authority to the army," Deve Gowda said at a press conference.
The Janata Dal (Secular) leader noted Modi implemented several measures, including granting full operational freedom to the Indian Armed Forces to determine the mode, targets and timing of their response.
Founded by Deve Gowda, the Janata Dal (Secular) is a constituent of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance. His son HD Kumaraswamy is a minister in the Union government.
Deve Gowda noted that the current situation could not be compared to the 1971 war between India and Pakistan, describing them as "different scenarios".
The former prime minister also welcomed the Centre's decision to enumerate caste in the upcoming general census while hitting out at the caste survey conducted in Karnataka.
"Karnataka is indulging in politics in the name of caste census. Even Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's Cabinet does not agree with the caste census conducted in the state," he said.
Deve Gowda said the Karnataka survey had identified 1,351 castes and sub-castes, with the Kurubas being among the prominent backward communities.
He also questioned Siddaramaiah's commitment to his AHINDA platform. "How many staff has he hired from backward communities or his own Kuruba community in his own office?"
The Karnataka caste survey report has recommended reclassifying the Kuruba community from category 2A to the more backward 1B category, reflecting its socio-economic status.
AHINDA represents a significant portion of Karnataka's population, including religious minorities (Muslims and Christians), Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Classes.
