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Firhad Hakim

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Firhad Hakim
Hakim in November 2020
38th Mayor of Kolkata
Incumbent
Assumed office
28 December 2021
DeputyAtin Ghosh
Preceded byHimself
(as Chairman of Board of Administrators)
ConstituencyWard No. 82
In office
3 December 2018 – 7 May 2020
DeputyAtin Ghosh
Preceded bySovan Chatterjee
Succeeded byHimself
(as Chairman of Board of Administrators)
ConstituencyWard No. 82
Cabinet Minister, Government of West Bengal
Incumbent
Assumed office
10 May 2021
Governor
Chief MinisterMamata Banerjee
Ministry and Departments
Urban Development and Municipal Affairs
Preceded bySuvendu Adhikari (Transport)
Chandrima Bhattacharya (Housing)
In office
20 May 2011 – 5 May 2021
GovernorJagdeep Dhankhar
Keshari Nath Tripathi
Chief MinisterMamata Banerjee
Preceded byAshok Bhattacharya
Succeeded byChandrima Bhattacharya
Member of the West Bengal Legislative Assembly
Incumbent
Assumed office
13 May 2011
Preceded byConstituency created
ConstituencyKolkata Port
In office
10 November 2009 – 13 May 2011
Preceded byTapas Paul
Succeeded byConstituency Abolished
ConstituencyAlipore
Chairman of Board of Administrators, Kolkata Municipal Corporation
In office
7 May 2020 – 24 December 2021
Preceded byHimself
(as Mayor of Kolkata)
Succeeded byHimself
(as Mayor of Kolkata)
Chairman of HIDCO and KMDA
Incumbent
Assumed office
July 2021
Preceded byDebasish Sen
Personal details
Born1 January 1959 (1959-01) (age 65)[1]
Kolkata, West Bengal, India
Political partyTrinamool Congress (1998–present)
Other political
affiliations		Indian National Congress (until 1998)
SpouseIsmat Hakim
Children3
Residence(s)Chetla, Kolkata - 700027[2]
Alma materHeramba Chandra College (BCom)
Other namesBobby da

Firhad Hakim (born 1 January 1959) is an Indian politician serving as the current and 38th Mayor of Kolkata.[3] He is also serving as Cabinet Minister of Urban Development and Municipal Affairs and Housing, Government of West Bengal. He is a MLA of the Trinamool Congress party from Kolkata Port. He is also the member of National Working Committee of All India Trinamool Congress .

Hakim was elected to the West Bengal Legislative Assembly in 2009. Two years later, he became a cabinet minister in the Mamata Banerjee ministry. In December 2018, he was appointed mayor following the resignation of the incumbent Sovan Chatterjee.

Personal life

[edit]

Hakim's grandfather migrated from the Gaya district of Bihar to Kolkata and started his business. His father, Abdul Hakim, was a law officer for the Kolkata Port Trust. He is married to Ismat Hakim. They have three daughters—Priyadarshini, Shabba and Afsha.[1] They live in Chetla, a neighborhood of South Kolkata.[4] He is nicknamed Bobby after the Australian cricketer Bobby Simpson.[5]

Hakim graduated from Heramba Chandra College with a degree in commerce.[6] He is the organizer-in-chief of the Chetla Agrani Durga Puja committee.[7]

Minister of West Bengal

[edit]

In the late 1990s, Hakim was first elected as a councilor of the Kolkata Municipal Corporation.[4] On 11 November 2009, he was elected to the West Bengal Legislative Assembly from the Alipore constituency after defeating Communist Party candidate, Kaustav Chatterjee by a margin of 27,555 votes in the by-poll.[8]

In the 2011 West Bengal Legislative Assembly election, Hakim won from the Kolkata Port constituency as a candidate of the All India Trinamool Congress. He received 63,866 votes and defeated his nearest rival Moinuddin Shams of the All India Forward Bloc by a margin of 25,033 votes.[9] Subsequently, he became the Minister of Urban Development and Municipal Affairs in the first Mamata Banerjee cabinet.[6][10]

On 3 March 2013, the Ultadanga Flyover (located in East Kolkata) collapsed, leaving three people injured. Hakim blamed a crack that was detected in the flyover as a reason behind the collapse. He said that the problem was "not related to maintenance but a technical fault in the bolt system".[11] In June 2014, he announced that 22 new municipalities would be created in West Bengal.[12]

In the 2016 West Bengal Legislative Assembly election, Hakim defeated his nearest rival, Rakesh Singh of the Left Front-Indian National Congress alliance by a margin of 26,548 votes.[13][14] On 16 June 2017, he was appointed chairman of the Tarakeswar Development Board.[15]

Mayor of Kolkata

[edit]

On 20 November 2018, Sovan Chatterjee, then mayor of Kolkata, resigned as a cabinet minister.[16] Two days later, he resigned from the post of the mayor of Kolkata.[17] Subsequently, Trinamool Congress announced that Hakim would be their mayoral candidate. The state government passed the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (Second Amendment) Bill, 2018. This allows a candidate who is not a member of the Kolkata Municipal Corporation to be appointed mayor of the city, provided they are elected to the same within a period of six months.[18][19]

On 28 November 2018, Hakim filed his nomination.[20] The following day the Bharatiya Janata Party announced Mina Debi Purohit (former deputy mayor) as their mayoral candidate.[21] He secured 121 votes while Purohit received five votes; Hakim was elected mayor.[22] He became the first Muslim since the independence of India to be elected mayor of Kolkata.[4][23]

On getting elected, Hakim said that "pollution and environment are two areas" on which he would like to work. He also set up a WhatsApp number, promising to act on complaints received on that mobile number.[22] Making Kolkata cleaner and greener, ensuring a continuous supply of drinking water to the city, building toilets in slums and making the slums "model residential areas" were his priorities as mayor.[24]

In January 2019, it was announced that Hakim would contest ward no. 82 of the Kolkata Municipal Corporation.[25] In a by-election, he won the ward and defeated his nearest rival Jiban Sen of the Bharatiya Janata Party by a margin of 13,987 votes; Hakim received 16,564 votes.[26] The term of the Kolkata Municipal Corporation expired on 7 May 2020, however due to the COVID-19 pandemic, elections couldn't be held on time to elect the new councillors of the KMC and was delayed.[27] On 8 May 2020, Hakim was appointed as chairman of board of administrators of the Kolkata Municipal Corporation.[27] He resigned as chairman of board of administrators of KMC on 22 March 2021 after the Election Commission of India (ECI) has restrained political appointees serving as board administrators of West Bengal municipal corporations, ahead of the 2021 West Bengal Legislative Assembly election.[28][29] He was succeeded by IAS Khalil Ahmed.[30]

Controversies

[edit]

Narada sting

[edit]

In 2016, the Narada sting operation video was released in which Hakim was seen allegedly taking bribes.[31] On 19 September 2017, he was questioned for eight hours by the Central Bureau of Investigation at Nizam Palace about the sting operation. Hakim said that the CBI probe was a "political conspiracy" against his party and that "he was not seen taking cash in any of the footage".

On 17 May 2021, he along with senior minister Subrata Mukherjee, MLA and former minister Madan Mitra and former Mayor of Kolkata Sovan Chatterjee had been arrested by Central Bureau of Investigation from their house in connection with the Narada sting operation.[32][33]

Controversial remarks

[edit]

Before the 2016 West Bengal Legislative Assembly election, Hakim, while speaking to Maleeha Hamid Sidiqqui of Pakistani newspaper Dawn, referred to his constituency as "mini-Pakistan".[5][34] However, he denied making such a statement. He said "she (the Pakistani journalist) only asked me that this place looks like Karachi of Pakistan. I did not make any comment".[35] He also said that he was "being targeted for being a Muslim and that it was a communal conspiracy".[34]

At the time of 2021 West Bengal Assembly election, a video goes viral on social media, where Firhad Hakim is seen abusing India's central forces. In this context, the Election Commission made a show cause to Firhad Hakim. Although Firhad Hakim denies it.[36]

On 3 July 2024, Hakim made controversial remarks during the 'All India Quran Competition' held at Dhono Dhanyo Auditorium in Kolkata. Hakim urged non-Muslims to convert to Islam, describing those not born into the faith as "unfortunate."

Hakim stated, "Those who are not born in Islam are unfortunate! They are born with misfortune. We have to bring them under the fold of Islam." He further added, "We need to spread Islam among non-Muslims. If we can bring someone on the path of Islam, then, we will prove to be true Muslims."[37][38]

In November 2024, while campaigning for Sheikh Rabiul Islam in the Haroa by-election, he allegedly made objectionable remarks about Rekha Patra, the BJP candidate and prominent advocate for the victims of the Sandeshkhali incident.[39] His comments drew condemnation from Suvendu Adhikari, the Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Assembly, who urged the National Commission for Women to take appropriate action.[40]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b "ভাবী মেয়র ফিরহাদ হাকিম সম্পর্কে যে তথগুলি আপনি জানেন না" [Information about the mayor-elect Firhad Hakim which you do not know] (in Bengali). Puber Kolom. 23 November 2018. Archived from the original on 20 January 2019. Retrieved 20 January 2019.
  2. ^ "Dial M for MLA". Telegraph India. Archived from the original on 20 January 2019. Retrieved 20 January 2019.
  3. ^ "Official Website of Kolkata Municipal Corporation". www.kmcgov.in. Retrieved 21 March 2020.
  4. ^ a b c Bhattashali, Amitabha (23 November 2018). "ফিরহাদ হাকিম: স্বাধীনতা-উত্তর কলকাতার এই প্রথম মুসলমান মেয়র ঠিক কেমন মানুষ?" [Firhad Hakim: Who is this first Muslim mayor of post-independence Kolkata] (in Bengali). BBC. Archived from the original on 20 January 2019. Retrieved 20 January 2019.
  5. ^ a b Siddiqui, Maleeha Hamid (29 April 2016). "Canvassing in 'mini-Pakistan' of Kolkata". Dawn. Archived from the original on 22 November 2018. Retrieved 20 January 2019.
  6. ^ a b Haque, Zaidul (8 June 2011). "Muslim Ministers of West Bengal: An introduction". Two Circles. Archived from the original on 8 November 2018. Retrieved 20 January 2019.
  7. ^ Chakrabarti, Rakhi (10 August 2015). "Club rivalry peaks in Kolkata as Puja nears". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 8 April 2018. Retrieved 20 January 2019.
  8. ^ "Bypolls: Left crumbles, Maya stages a comeback". Rediff.com. 11 November 2009. Archived from the original on 20 January 2019. Retrieved 20 January 2019.
  9. ^ "Kolkata port constituency election results 2011 : Firhad Hakim AITC WINS - West Bengal". News Reporter. 13 May 2011. Archived from the original on 20 January 2019. Retrieved 20 January 2019.
  10. ^ "10 crorepatis in Mamata's ministry". Hindustan Times. 27 May 2011. Archived from the original on 13 January 2018. Retrieved 20 January 2019.
  11. ^ "Large portion of Kolkata flyover collapses". NDTV. 3 March 2013. Archived from the original on 20 January 2019. Retrieved 20 January 2019.
  12. ^ "West Bengal to Have 22 New Municipalities". Outlook India. 11 June 2014. Archived from the original on 18 June 2018. Retrieved 20 January 2019.
  13. ^ "LIST: 59 Muslim MLA elected in West Bengal assembly elections". The Siasat Daily. 20 May 2016. Archived from the original on 20 January 2019. Retrieved 20 January 2019.
  14. ^ "বন্দরে জোটের শক্তিও সমান। জয়ের অঙ্ক টলমলে ফিরহাদের" [The strength of the alliance is same is port. Firhad's win is not sure]. Ebela (in Bengali). 2 April 2016. Archived from the original on 20 January 2019. Retrieved 20 January 2019.
  15. ^ "তারকেশ্বর উন্নয়ন বোর্ডের চেয়ারম্যানের দায়িত্ব পেলেন ফিরহাদ" [Firhad becomes the Chairman of Tarakeswar Development Board]. Ebela (in Bengali). 16 June 2017. Archived from the original on 20 January 2019. Retrieved 20 January 2019.
  16. ^ "শোভন-বৈশাখীর প্রেম, যে যে কারণে শেষ কয়েকমাস বিতর্কে ছিল এই জুটি" [Sovan-Baisakhi relationship, the reasons for which this couple was at the centre of a controversy for the last couple of months] (in Bengali). News 18. 20 November 2018. Archived from the original on 20 January 2019. Retrieved 20 January 2019.
  17. ^ "Two days after stepping down from Cabinet, Sovan Chatterjee resigns as Kolkata mayor". The Indian Express. 22 November 2018. Archived from the original on 21 January 2019. Retrieved 20 January 2019.
  18. ^ Das, Soumya (22 November 2018). "Kolkata Mayor resigns, Hakim is TMC's Mayoral candidate". Deccan Herald. Archived from the original on 20 January 2019. Retrieved 20 January 2019.
  19. ^ "Minister Firhad Hakim New Mayor Of Kolkata After Sovan Chatterjee Quits". NDTV. 22 November 2018. Archived from the original on 20 January 2019. Retrieved 20 January 2019.
  20. ^ "Hakim submits nomination for post of KMC Mayor". Millennium Post. 28 November 2018. Archived from the original on 20 January 2019. Retrieved 20 January 2019.
  21. ^ "BJP joins battle for Calcutta mayor post". The Telegraph. 29 November 2018. Archived from the original on 20 January 2019. Retrieved 20 January 2019.
  22. ^ a b Subhajoy Roy; Sandip Chowdhury (4 December 2018). "WhatsApp is Calcutta mayor Hakim's medium". The Telegraph. Archived from the original on 20 January 2019. Retrieved 20 January 2019.
  23. ^ "Kolkata gets its first Muslim mayor, Firhad Hakim". The Indian Express. 3 December 2018. Archived from the original on 20 January 2019. Retrieved 20 January 2019.
  24. ^ Chowdhury, Sandip (5 December 2018). "Mayor Firhad Hakim outlines his plan for Calcutta". The Telegraph. Archived from the original on 20 January 2019. Retrieved 20 January 2019.
  25. ^ "৮২ নং ওয়ার্ডে আজ উপনির্বাচন, ভোটের লড়াইয়ে ফিরহাদ হাকিম" [There is by-election in Ward no.82 today, Firhad Hakim in the fight for votes] (in Bengali). News 18. 6 January 2019. Archived from the original on 20 January 2019. Retrieved 20 January 2019.
  26. ^ "Kolkata Mayor bypoll result: TMC Minister Firhad Hakim re-elected, defeats BJP candidate by 14,000 votes". The New Indian Express. 9 January 2019. Archived from the original on 21 January 2019. Retrieved 20 January 2019.
  27. ^ a b "Firhad Hakim appointed as chairperson of board of administrators of KMC". ANI News. Retrieved 20 March 2021.
  28. ^ "Trinamool's Firhad Hakim Quits As Kolkata Civic Body Chief Ahead Of Polls". NDTV.com. Retrieved 24 March 2021.
  29. ^ "Firhad Hakim resigns from Kolkata Municipality Corporation Board". Asianet News Network Pvt Ltd. Retrieved 24 March 2021.
  30. ^ "IAS Khalil Ahmed appointed administrator of Kolkata Municipal Corporation". The New Indian Express. Retrieved 24 March 2021.
  31. ^ "I spy with my little eye..." The Telegraph. 3 April 2016. Archived from the original on 20 January 2019. Retrieved 20 January 2019.
  32. ^ "Narada bribery case: 2 ministers, 1 MLA arrested, Mamata rushes to CBI office". Indian Express. 17 May 2021. Retrieved 17 May 2021.
  33. ^ "2 Bengal Ministers, TMC MLA Held in Narada Sting Case; Mamata Reaches CBI Office Amid Row". News 18. 17 May 2021. Retrieved 17 May 2021.
  34. ^ a b "TMC minister Firhad Hakim defends 'mini-Pakistan' comment, calls it a communal conspiracy". India Today. 30 April 2016. Archived from the original on 20 January 2019. Retrieved 20 January 2019.
  35. ^ "After 'mini Pakistan' controversy, Firhad Hakim denies comments to Pak newspaper". Dna India. 30 April 2016. Archived from the original on 20 January 2019. Retrieved 20 January 2019.
  36. ^ "WB Assembly Election 2021: BJP ও কেন্দ্রীয় বাহিনীকে 'কুকথা', Firhad Hakim-কে শোকজ কমিশনের" [WB Assembly Election 2021: BJP and Central Forces 'Kukatha', Firhad Hakim to Showcase Commission] (in Bashkir).
  37. ^ "Kolkata Mayor Gives Open Call To Convert People To Islam; BJP Slams 'Appeasement Politics'". News18. 5 July 2024. Retrieved 5 July 2024.
  38. ^ "'যারা ইসলাম নিয়ে জন্মায়নি, সেই দুর্ভাগাদের দ". Eidin. 5 July 2024. Retrieved 5 July 2024.
  39. ^ "Politics: फिरहाद हकीम ने भाजपा नेता रेखा पात्र पर की आपत्तिजनक टिप्पणी; PM मोदी को दाढ़ी वाला कहकर उड़ाया मजाक". Amar Ujala (in Hindi). Retrieved 6 November 2024.
  40. ^ "'আমাকে যে ভাষায়...', রেখা পাত্রকে কী এমন বললেন ফিরহাদ হাকিম, মুখ খুলল মহিলা কমিশনও". TV9 Bangla (in Bengali). 6 November 2024. Retrieved 6 November 2024.
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