KOLKATA: TMC Monday disassociated itself from its Bengal minister Firhad Hakim's comments on Muslim population. Hakim courted a controversy after a video of his Saturday's address to Muslim students was widely circulated on social media where he is saying: "In Bengal, we are 33%. However, in the country, we are 17%. We are referred to as a minority. But we do not consider ourselves a minority. We believe that with the blessings of the Almighty, one day we can become even more of a majority than the current majority..."
Condemning Hakim's comments, TMC wrote on its social media: "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 Bengal will be met with strict measures." TMC sources said CM Mamata Banerjee was upset with Hakim's comments and had reportedly expressed her displeasure to him.
BJP's Amit Malviya shared a segment of the video on X, criticising Hakim. The post gained traction as other BJP seniors shared it, & TMC functionaries started criticising the statement.
Hakim had said his statement was misrepresented by BJP, explaining that he was discussing educational disparities rather than religious demographics. Faced with further criticism, he said on Sunday he was an Indian and a secular person.
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Tamaghna Banerjee, a reporter from Kolkata, covers crime, aviatio...
Read MoreTamaghna Banerjee, a reporter from Kolkata, covers crime, aviation, human rights and politics. He has a keen interest in human interest and rural reporting. He has done his postgraduation in journalism and mass communication. He has a total of 14 years in journalism.
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