Kolkata, 2 January (H.S.):

West Bengal Urban Development Minister and Kolkata mayor Firhad Hakim, who has been criticised for his statement on the increase in the population of minorities, has made another such statement. This has created an uncomfortable situation within the party and this time he is likely to face the wrath.

A video of a statement by Hakim has gone viral, which is from Wednesday, a day before. On the occasion of the TMC's foundation day, he said that being in the Trinamool Congress should not be just a feeling of being in power. there is the story of the sacrifice of thousands of people behind the party.

The real Trinamool Congress is not limited to leaders and ministers who travel in cars, take salutes and walk with thousands of followers. However, he did not clarify what he was hinting at.

Notably, on Wednesday, the party's national general secretary and Lok Sabha MP Abhishek Banerjee issued a New Year's greeting message, in which neither the Trinamool Congress nor Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee was mentioned. This also started discussions in political circles that there could be some differences within the party. It is believed that Firhad has indirectly targeted Abhishek Banerjee, which may cost him heavily.

Political analysts believe that first Abhishek Banerjee's message and then Hakim's statement indicate a tussle within the party. All this is happening at a time when the important assembly elections of 2026 are near. Last year also, on the occasion of Foundation Day, there were reports of differences within the party over the statements of Trinamool Congress state president Subrata Bakshi and state general secretary Kunal Ghosh. The internal dispute and rhetoric of the party has created a stir in the political corridors. All eyes are on what turn the Trinamool Congress takes in the coming days.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Priyanka Pandey