Firhad Hakim resigns as Kolkata mayor

Firhad Hakim has resigned from the post of Mayor of Kolkata, the capital of India's West Bengal. He confirmed his resignation before journalists at the Kolkata Municipal Corporation on Friday, June 5.

Hakim, who had served as mayor for nearly seven and a half years, submitted his resignation to Kolkata Municipal Corporation Chairman Mala Roy. He had assumed office as mayor on December 3, 2018.

Hakim had long been elected as a councillor from Ward 82 of Kolkata Municipal Corporation. He is one of the top leaders of the Trinamool Congress led by Mamata Banerjee.

His resignation comes nearly six months before the end of his term, sparking discussions in political circles. Speculation over his resignation had been circulating for the past few days. Earlier, Trinamool leader Kunal Ghosh had claimed that Hakim had informed party chief Mamata Banerjee of his intention to step down, and she had agreed.

Although Hakim had initially said no decision had been made regarding resignation, he put an end to all speculation by formally announcing his resignation on Friday.

According to political analysts, his resignation may pave the way for new leadership in the Kolkata municipal administration and could impact local politics in West Bengal.