TMC Disassociates Itself From Firhad Hakim's 'Muslims Can Become Majority' Remarks Hours After Defending West Bengal Minister

After facing protests for a couple of days, the Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress (TMC) disassociated itself from remarks made by West Bengal Minister (Independent Charge) Firhad Hakim.

Hakim had said that while Muslim population in India is just 17 per cent and 33 per cent in West Bengal, the community can become a majority bigger than the Hindus with 'Allah’s grace.'

"But we don’t think of ourselves as a minority. We believe that if Allah’s grace is with us, we can become a bigger majority than the majority one day," Hakim was seen as saying in the viral video.

Responding to this, TMC strongly condemned the statement and disassociated itself. "These comments do not reflect the party’s position or ideology," the party posted on X.

"Our commitment to peace, unity, and communal harmony remains unwavering. Any remarks that threaten the social fabric of West Bengal will be met with strict measures," the post added.

This comes within 24 hours after the TMC had defended Hakim. "I am a diehard secular and patriotic Indian. No one can question my secular values and love for my country. Period," Hakim had said in his defence.

Similarly, TMC spokesperson Kunal Ghosh defended Hakim's remarks with another interpretation suggesting he urged Muslims to join the mainstream and contribute to nation-building.

"What he meant was the uplift of a large number of minority community members so they can join mainstream society. Certain elements are trying to give a different spin to his views," Ghosh said.