Mamata Banerjee’s Trusted Aide, a Lightning Rod for Controversies: Why Firhad Hakim is Again Receiving Brickbats

Kolkata, June 10, 2025 – Firhad Hakim, the West Bengal Minister and Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) Mayor, is once again at the center of political controversy, drawing sharp criticism from both opposition parties and civil society groups. A close confidant of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and a veteran leader of the Trinamool Congress (TMC), Hakim has long played a pivotal role in the party's urban governance strategy. Yet his name now routinely surfaces when allegations of corruption, administrative negligence, and communal favoritism emerge.

As Mamata Banerjee navigates a politically turbulent third term, Hakim’s reemergence in the spotlight has sparked renewed debate about the culture of power within the TMC, accountability of municipal governance, and the political future of one of the party's most visible Muslim faces.

Background: A Veteran TMC Strongman

Firhad Hakim, popularly known as "Bobby Da" among party cadres and supporters, rose through the ranks from local councilor to Urban Development Minister and then Mayor of Kolkata. He has been widely credited with spearheading major infrastructure projects, slum redevelopment efforts, and urban beautification campaigns under Mamata Banerjee’s tenure.

As a seasoned grassroots organizer from the Tollygunge region and one of the rare Muslim leaders in the TMC’s top ranks, Hakim was also seen as a crucial bridge between the party and the state’s minority electorate. His loyalty to Mamata Banerjee has been unwavering, earning him top administrative and organizational posts even in the face of persistent allegations.

What’s Fueling the Current Controversy?

The latest round of criticism against Hakim stems from multiple sources:

1. Allegations of Irregularities in KMC Contracts
   Several reports have surfaced alleging that contracts awarded by the Kolkata Municipal Corporation over the last two years have bypassed transparent tendering norms. Whistleblowers within the civic body claim that a nexus of contractors linked to TMC insiders have benefited disproportionately. Hakim, as KMC Mayor, has come under fire for allowing what opposition leaders call “a parallel economy of favoritism and kickbacks.”

2. Handling of Urban Flooding and Infrastructure Failures
   Repeated waterlogging in key areas of Kolkata, even after massive investments in drainage infrastructure, has raised questions about the quality of civic works undertaken under Hakim’s watch. Residents of Behala, Garden Reach, and Ballygunge have staged protests in recent weeks, accusing KMC of negligence and corruption. “Every monsoon we are promised change, and every year our homes are flooded,” said a resident of South Kolkata. Fingers have been pointed at Hakim for allegedly prioritizing optics over real structural reform.

3. Communal Polarization Allegations
   Hakim was recently accused by BJP leaders of promoting “minority appeasement” after the KMC passed a resolution to prioritize Urdu signage in some minority-concentrated areas of the city. While TMC defended the move as inclusive, BJP accused the government of selective governance. Hakim hit back, saying, “We don’t play communal politics. We serve all communities.” Still, the issue has snowballed into a wider political debate.

4. Legal Heat and Old Scandals Resurfacing
   The Narada sting operation—where several TMC leaders, including Hakim, were allegedly caught on camera accepting cash—has returned to public discourse as the Enforcement Directorate (ED) recently revived parts of the investigation. Although no formal charges have yet been framed against Hakim, opposition leaders have used this opportunity to once again paint him as emblematic of TMC’s “corrupt culture.”

Opposition Takes Aim

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Congress have both stepped up their criticism of Hakim, calling him "untouchable" in Mamata Banerjee’s cabinet despite mounting allegations.

BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari said, “Firhad Hakim has become a symbol of misgovernance. No matter how many times he is exposed, the Chief Minister shields him. This is not governance, this is a fiefdom.”

The Congress, although weaker in the state, also joined in, with State President Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury claiming that “firms close to Hakim have looted the exchequer under the guise of development.”

The criticism has not been limited to political circles. Several urban policy experts and civic activists have criticized the lack of transparency in civic governance and demanded independent audits into KMC’s project implementation.

TMC Stands Firm

Despite the mounting criticism, the Trinamool Congress has firmly stood behind Hakim. Party spokesperson Kunal Ghosh dismissed the charges as “politically motivated attempts to defame a hardworking leader.” He argued that Hakim has “transformed Kolkata’s civic infrastructure” and is being targeted because of his efficiency and popularity.

Mamata Banerjee herself has avoided naming Hakim publicly in recent addresses, but sources within the party say she remains supportive, viewing him as “indispensable” for both governance and political outreach, especially among the city’s Muslim population.

Hakim's Response: Defiant and Confident

Firhad Hakim has not taken the criticism lying down. Speaking to the media earlier this week, he said, “Let there be an investigation. I have nothing to hide. My life is an open book.” He accused the BJP of orchestrating a smear campaign ahead of upcoming municipal and panchayat elections in West Bengal.

In a tone both defiant and confident, he added, “Those who cannot win elections by work try to win through defamation. The people of Kolkata know who has worked and who has only barked.”

What Lies Ahead?

While Hakim has weathered storms in the past, the current convergence of political, administrative, and legal pressures marks a potentially more serious turning point. The upcoming Kolkata Municipal Corporation elections—scheduled later this year—will serve as a litmus test for both Hakim’s popularity and Mamata Banerjee’s continued faith in her trusted aide.

Several within the TMC privately admit that if the controversies continue to escalate, the leadership might be forced to create some distance, at least symbolically, to manage public perception. However, given the deep organizational role Hakim plays and his command over the KMC bureaucracy, sidelining him could prove operationally difficult.

 The Man and the Moment

Firhad Hakim remains one of Mamata Banerjee’s most loyal and powerful lieutenants. But loyalty and legacy alone may not be enough to shield him indefinitely. As public frustration with urban governance mounts and as political opposition sharpens its attack, Hakim stands at a crucial juncture.

Whether he continues to be a pillar of the TMC government or becomes a liability will depend on how the current investigations play out, how voters respond in the upcoming elections, and whether the party is willing to introspect in the face of growing calls for transparency and accountability.