Firhad Hakim quits as Kolkata mayor, says he's 'unable to function properly'

Firhad Hakim submitted his resignation amid ongoing political developments within the party and a series of recent resignations by councillors in the Kolkata Municipal Corporation. PIC/X

Senior Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Firhad Hakim on Friday resigned as the mayor of the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC), saying he was unable to function properly in the post, news agency PTI reported.

Hakim said he stepped down with his "head held high" after obtaining the consent of TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee.

One of the party's most prominent minority leaders and a key figure in its urban organisational structure, Hakim submitted his resignation amid ongoing political developments within the party and a series of recent resignations by councillors in the Kolkata Municipal Corporation.

Addressing a press conference before submitting his resignation, Hakim reflected on his nearly seven-and-a-half-year tenure as mayor and thanked KMC officials and the people of Kolkata for their support during some of the city's most challenging periods.

"During my tenure as mayor, Kolkata faced several difficult situations, including cyclone Amphan and the COVID-19 pandemic. We successfully overcame these challenges with the support of KMC officials and the citizens of the city," he said.

Hakim said he sought Banerjee's permission before deciding to demit office.

'Wanted to leave with my head held high': Hakim on decision to resign

"I wanted to leave with my head held high. I sought permission from my leader, and she granted it," he said.

Recalling his appointment as mayor in November 2018, Hakim stated that he was initially unsure whether he could match the legacy of some of Kolkata's most distinguished former mayors.

"When I first became mayor, I was confident about working for the city, but I never thought I could become a worthy successor to stalwarts like Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose and Deshbandhu Chittaranjan Das, who once occupied this chair," he said.

Hakim submitted his resignation to KMC Chairperson Mala Roy.

His departure comes at a time when the TMC is facing organisational challenges, with several councillors resigning from the Kolkata Municipal Corporation in recent weeks.

Hakim has also handled several key ministerial portfolios in successive TMC governments in the state.

Hakim was Kolkata's first Muslim mayor since Independence

The KMC has been under TMC control since 2010 and remains one of the party's most significant institutional power centres.

In the civic body's 150-year history, the mayor's office has been occupied by several iconic figures of Bengal's political and nationalist movement, including Deshbandhu Chittaranjan Das, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, and former West Bengal chief minister Bidhan Chandra Roy.

Hakim made history by becoming the first Muslim mayor of Kolkata since Independence.

(With PTI inputs)