After the rebellion of TMC MLAs in the West Bengal Assembly elections, now a political crisis has arisen in Kolkata Municipal Corporation also. After the announcement of assembly election results, resignation of many councilors and arrest, now Kolkata Municipal Corporation Mayor Firhad Hakim has also resigned from the post of Mayor. The sudden resignation of Mayor Firhad Hakim has raised new questions on the stability of Trinamool Congress in the city.
Firhad Hakim Formally resigned from the post of mayor on Friday. He said that he cannot work where municipal administration and the post of Mayor are being considered as separate authorities. According to party sources, Hakim said, “I cannot work where the municipality and the mayor are separate.”
He further said that he had spoken to former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on this matter and stressed his desire to maintain the dignity of the post of Mayor. He cited historical precedent: “I want to maintain the dignity of the post of mayor, just as Netaji was once the mayor of Kolkata.”
Resignations of councilors after election results
This development happened after several councilors and municipal committee members stepped down from important posts. Special names among these were Arup Chakraborty, Swaroop Ghosh and Tarak Singh, who resigned from their posts as members of municipal committees and Mayor-in-Council (MIC).
Acknowledging the problems within the party, Arup Chakraborty said in a statement that the resignations were a protest against the issues rather than a separation from TMC. “TMC had mistakes; that’s why we protested, but we are with TMC,” he said, cautioning that any attempt by the BJP to form a new board would require a two-thirds majority in the KMC.
In recent times, the situation has become dire after several councilors were reportedly arrested on various charges.
50 TMC councilors in touch… BJP claims
On the other hand, party sources associated with BJP further escalated the conflict with a claim by TMC MLA and councilor Sajal Ghosh, who claimed that more than 50 TMC councilors are in touch with the BJP. If Ghosh’s claim is true, it would significantly reduce TMC’s overall control over the KMC and increase the possibility of defection or the emergence of an organized rebel group that could challenge the party’s municipal board.
The BJP has not yet confirmed the formal number of any defections in the corporation, but the allegation has sent shockwaves through both parties as officials consider legal and political options in case of mass resignations or cross-voting.
Adding to the uncertainty, Kolkata Municipal Corporation Chairperson Mala Roy had earlier said that the KMC House would reopen on May 18, leading to a tense confrontation at a scheduled meeting that could become a platform for a formal show of force by the rival factions.
Now who will be the next mayor of Kolkata?
With Hakeem’s resignation now on record and committee posts vacant with several prominent people, the immediate questions facing the KMC are: who will be the next mayor, will the new board be formed smoothly, and can the TMC prevent an internal breakdown like the one witnessed in state assembly politics?
Political analysts say that without collective resignations or defection, it will be difficult for BJP to capture the Corporation Board, because the party will need about two-thirds lead in the House to directly form the new administrative board. This will provide some relief to TMC — provided it can quickly build loyalty among the remaining councilors and plug its leadership shortcomings, but it comes with several issues that will dominate politics.
Lack of Leadership: With Hakeem stepping down, TMC will have to elect a new mayor and reconstitute the mayor-in-council. If many leaders compete for the top post, internal competition may increase further.
Reconstitution of the committee: The resignation of MIC members like Arup Chakraborty, Swaroop Ghosh and Tarak Singh will entail reshuffle in municipal portfolios and committee assignments.
Legal and process related battles: The arrests and resignations could trigger legal challenges over quorum, floor test in council meetings and the legitimacy of any hasty formation of the board.
Possible rebel groups: Sajal Ghosh’s claim that more than 50 councilors are in touch with BJP will be closely monitored; If any large group openly leaves the party or stays away from the party altogether, then TMC’s control over KMC may be in danger.
Read this also- Kolkata’s New Mayor: Know who is Firhad Hakim, whom CM Mamata Banerjee has announced to be the new Mayor of Kolkata.
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