TMC Leader Firhad Hakim Resigns as Kolkata Mayor Amid Party Challenges

Firhad Hakim, a key leader in the Trinamool Congress, has resigned from his role as Kolkata's Mayor, a decision accepted by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. This resignation comes amidst the party's struggles in recent elections, where the BJP has gained a significant lead. Speculations suggest that Hakim's departure may be tied to the party's performance and internal trust issues. Having served as Mayor since 2018, Hakim's resignation raises questions about the future leadership of the Kolkata Municipal Corporation. Read on to discover the implications of this political shift.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 5, 2026, 18:10 IST

Resignation Announcement

Firhad Hakim, a senior leader of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and a close aide of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, stepped down from his position as the Mayor of Kolkata on Friday. His resignation was accepted by Banerjee, who is also the party's chief. Hakim, one of the prominent figures in the party, had previously sought permission to resign due to the challenges faced by the TMC following the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) rise to power in West Bengal.

Reasons Behind the Resignation

The resignation comes in the wake of the party's electoral performance, where the BJP currently leads in 102 out of 144 wards, while the TMC is ahead in only 42. There are two main theories regarding Hakim's resignation. One perspective suggests that it is linked to the party's poor performance and growing distrust in its leadership. Another viewpoint indicates that as a prominent minority face of the TMC, Hakim may have been under scrutiny, with some observers believing that perceptions regarding the party's outreach to minorities could be a factor in its electoral setbacks.

Hakim's Tenure as Mayor

Hakim has served as the Mayor of Kolkata since 2018 and has held several key ministerial roles within the state government. The Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) has been under TMC control since 2010. As of now, there is no immediate information regarding who will succeed Hakim as the Mayor of Kolkata.