"I couldn't run the way you do," Firhad praises Agnimitra Paul in Assembly

Firhad Hakim showered praise on the new Municipal Minister Agnimitra Paul during an urban development budget discussion in the West Bengal Assembly on Friday. Acknowledging her energetic approach and frequent surprise visits across various localities, Hakim admitted in the house that he might not have been able to keep up such a demanding pace during his own tenure. He further advised her to use firm police action to combat the illegal filling of urban wetlands caused by dumping construction debris.

The praise led to lighthearted exchanges and political chatter across party lines on the Assembly floor. When Information and Culture Minister Purnima Chakraborty chimed in with comments during the discussion, Hakim jokingly responded that he was trying to offer support while others were forcing him into an opposing stance. He added that political leadership naturally shifts over time under the laws of nature and expressed that if the city improves under the current leadership, he would feel proud as a resident.

Responding to his remarks, Municipal Minister Agnimitra Paul noted that the former minister was himself acknowledging her dedicated efforts for urban governance. However, she questioned why civic issues such as waterlogging, drainage infrastructure, and illegal wetland filling remained unresolved despite 15 years of previous administration. She countered that budget allocations were previously concentrated only in select influential constituencies and asserted that the current administration would maintain strict neutrality without favoritism.