“Bengal will never become Gujarat or UP”: Firhad Hakim attacks ‘politics of hatred’

Amid intensifying political discourse ahead of the elections, Firhad Hakim has asserted that West Bengal will not follow the political path of Gujarat or Uttar Pradesh, firmly rejecting what he described as “politics of hatred.” Emphasizing the state’s long-standing social harmony, the Kolkata Mayor said there is no space for divisive ideologies in Bengal, where governance is rooted in trust and inclusivity.

Highlighting the governance model under All India Trinamool Congress, Hakim stated that people from all communities feel secure because the administration prioritizes confidence over fear. He maintained that Bengal’s political culture is fundamentally different, built on coexistence and mutual respect rather than polarization.

Taking aim at attempts to introduce communal narratives, Hakim also referenced the politics associated with Asaduddin Owaisi, asserting that such approaches would not resonate with Bengal’s secular fabric. He reiterated that the state’s ideological foundation is based on “Sarva Dharma Sambhava,” ensuring equal respect for all religions and communities.

Responding to allegations of minority appeasement, Hakim strongly defended the policies of the government led by Mamata Banerjee. He argued that initiatives aimed at uplifting backward and minority groups are rooted in constitutional principles and should not be mischaracterized as appeasement. Stressing Bengal’s cultural ethos, he cited the legacy of Rabindranath Tagore and Kazi Nazrul Islam as symbols of inclusivity, adding that development and social harmony remain central to the state’s political identity.