Controversial Remarks on Muslim Population Spark Political Debate in India Firhad Hakim,Kolkata Mayor

Kolkata Mayor Firhad Hakim's Controversial Remarks on Muslim Population Spark Political Debate in India

In the midst of political divisions surrounding the issue of minorities, Kolkata's Mayor and West Bengal Minister Firhad Hakim has sparked controversy with his recent remarks about Muslims in India. Speaking at an event organized by the group "Firhad 30," Hakim stated that one day, Muslims in India would transition from being a minority to a majority. His comments have drawn sharp criticism from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which accuses him of inciting communal hatred and promoting a dangerous agenda.

On Sunday, December 15, 2024, Indian media outlet NDTV reported that Hakim, during the event, said, “We come from a community that constitutes 33% of the population in West Bengal and 17% across the country. Yet, we are labeled a minority in India. However, we don’t consider ourselves as minorities. But in the future, we will no longer be minorities. Today, when injustice is done to us, we hold candlelight marches demanding justice. But a day will come when we will deliver justice. We need to reach that point. We believe that if Allah’s mercy is with us, and with education, we will become the majority.”

Hakim's comments have been fiercely criticized by the BJP leadership, which has accused him of stoking communal discord. The party claimed that his statement promotes a "dangerous agenda" and could exacerbate tensions in the region.

Hakim also made controversial remarks regarding the number of judges in Kolkata High Court, saying, “There are two or three minority judges in Kolkata High Court, but that shouldn’t be the case. We were not allowed to reach those positions. In the future, we will have the most judges in Kolkata High Court, and we will deliver justice.”

Sukanta Majumdar, the BJP’s state president in West Bengal, expressed his outrage on social media, describing Hakim’s comments as “poisonous.” He accused Hakim of promoting communal hatred and pushing a dangerous agenda. BJP leader Sajal Ghosh added that Hakim’s words were "terrifying and divisive," demanding that West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee clarify her stance on the issue and whether she would remove Hakim from his position as Mayor and Minister.

Political analysts note that such statements, combined with the BJP's history of anti-Muslim rhetoric, undermine India's secular fabric. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has often been criticized for his comments targeting Muslims during electoral campaigns, while Home Minister Amit Shah has made several anti-Bangladesh statements, which many believe target Muslims.

Now, Firhad Hakim’s remarks have put the BJP in an uncomfortable position, as they struggle to respond to what they perceive as a provocative and polarizing statement.