Kolkata, 05 June (H.S.) : Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) Mayor and senior Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Firhad Hakim resigned from his post on Friday. Following his resignation, he said that he is “leaving with his head held high” and that the decision was taken with the consent of the party leadership.

In a press conference held prior to his resignation, Hakim reflected on his tenure, stating that he served as the Mayor of Kolkata for approximately 7.5 years. During this period, he faced several major challenges, including Cyclone Amphan and the COVID-19 pandemic.

He said that the officials of the Kolkata Municipal Corporation and the citizens of the city played a crucial role in overcoming these crises. “We overcame these challenges together,” Hakim said.

Speaking about his resignation, he stated, “I am leaving with my head held high. I sought permission from my leader, and she granted it.”

Hakim also recalled that he was appointed Mayor in November 2018 and initially wondered whether he would be able to uphold the legacy of the civic body. He said he was given the opportunity to carry forward the tradition of leaders who had once held the same position.

Firhad Hakim is considered one of the key minority faces of the Trinamool Congress and has played an important role in Kolkata’s urban politics. The KMC has been under TMC control since 2010 and remains a key administrative stronghold of the party.

However, his resignation has triggered political discussions amid recent signs of organisational instability and internal resignations within the party.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh