In less than 24 hours of backing its senior party leader Firhad Hakim, the TMC on Monday distanced itself from his remarks on “majority Muslims” and said that such statements will be met with ‘strict measures’.
In a post on X, the Trinamool Congress said: “The All India Trinamool Congress firmly disassociates itself from and strongly condemns the statement made by Firhad Hakim, Minister Independent Charge, at an event.”
“These comments do not reflect the party’s position or ideology. Our commitment to peace, unity, and communal harmony remains unwavering. Any remarks that threaten the social fabric of West Bengal will be met with strict measures,” the post read.
On Saturday, a video went viral on social media in which the senior TMC leader is allegedly heard speaking: “We are from a community that accounts for 33 per cent of West Bengal’s population. In India, however, we account for 17 per cent (of the total population) and are called a minority community. But we don’t think of ourselves as a minority. We believe that if Allah’s grace is with us, we can become a bigger majority than the majority one day.”
“It will be Allah’s grace and we will achieve this with our strength. Whenever something happens, our community holds a candlelight march, saying, ‘we want justice’. Holding marches for justice won’t help, raise your stature to the point where you can deliver justice instead of demanding it,” the four-time MLA and KMC Mayor said at an event organised by “Firhad 30” that prepares students for competitive exams.
Hakim’s remarks led to wide scale criticisms, especially from the BJP. Opposition BJP leaders termed Hakim’s remarks “dangerous” and a bid to convert West Bengal into Bangladesh.
Soon after, Hakim, while speaking to mediapersons, asserted that he has a strong belief in strong and patriotic values.
Speaking on the sidelines of an event in Kolkata, Hakim said: “I am a diehard secular and patriotic Indian. No one can question my secular values and love for my country. Period.”
Defending Hakim, TMC spokesperson Kunal Ghosh said the minister’s comments were deliberately misinterpreted and twisted.
“What he meant was the uplift of a large number of minority community members so they can join mainstream society and contribute to nation-building. Certain elements are trying to give a different spin to his views,” Ghosh said.
He further asserted that Hakim’s secular and liberal values are well-known and actively participates in various religious festivals while promoting communal harmony.