“Go to Delhi if you want to protest”: Firhad Hakim slams Naushad Siddiqui over ISF protest

A political storm brews in Bengal over the ongoing protests linked to the Waqf Act, with Trinamool Congress leader and Kolkata Mayor Firhad Hakim hitting out sharply at Indian Secular Front (ISF) MLA Naushad Siddiqui. On Monday morning, a rally led by Siddiqui from Bhangarh sparked chaos as one of the two processions was stopped by police, leading to a clash at the barricades and police lathicharge.

Reacting to the incident, Firhad Hakim questioned the rationale behind the protests in Bengal. “The Chief Minister has clearly said that the Waqf Act will not be implemented in West Bengal. So why this drama? Why inconvenience ordinary citizens with road blockades?” he asked. His criticism was sharp, suggesting that the protests were more about political muscle-flexing than genuine concern.

“Why are we creating difficulty for common people where there is no implementation of this law?” Firhad asked pointedly. “Is this to show how much crowd-pulling power one has? If anyone wants to protest, take everyone and go to Delhi where the Act was made.”

The ISF rally in Bhangarh, aimed at reaching Ramlila Maidan, was divided into two routes. While one stream continued, the other faced police resistance and attempted to push through barricades. This led to physical altercations and a crackdown to maintain law and order. Despite this, Naushad Siddiqui continued with the march.

Meanwhile, political jabs continued from all corners. Leader of Opposition Shuvendu Adhikari mocked Naushad’s protest, sarcastically pointing out his previous meeting with officials at Nabanna and linking the chaos to a fish fry joke. “This shouldn’t happen after fried fries,” he quipped, suggesting insider coordination.

Naushad, however, remained firm in his stance. He clarified that all participants were ISF supporters and denied any allegations of provocation. “If Trinamool workers are pretending to be ISF supporters to cause trouble, that’s their game. Our movement is peaceful,” he asserted, adding that they have the right to protest.