Firhad Hakim Steps Down as Kolkata Mayor, Thanks Mamata Banerjee for Trust

Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Firhad Hakim has announced his resignation from the post of Mayor of the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC), stating that he is no longer able to shoulder the responsibilities associated with the office.

Speaking on his decision, Hakim expressed gratitude to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for entrusting him with the role. He recalled that he was elected Mayor by KMC councillors in December 2018 following the abrupt resignation of former mayor Sovan Chatterjee.

"I am thankful to our leader Mamata Banerjee. In December 2018, I was elected by the councillors of the Kolkata Municipal Corporation after the abrupt resignation of former mayor Sovan Chatterjee. I carried all my responsibilities honestly," Hakim said.

Explaining the reason behind his resignation, he added, "Now I'm not able to shoulder this responsibility because I believe that the Mayor's chair is not only a chair, it's a responsibility."

Hakim's resignation marks a significant development in Kolkata's civic administration. As one of the senior-most leaders of the Trinamool Congress and a prominent face in West Bengal politics, his departure from the mayoral post is expected to trigger discussions regarding the future leadership of the Kolkata Municipal Corporation.