Bengal Minister Firhad Hakim's Call For Muslim Empowerment Prompts BJP's Charge Of 'Hinting At Sharia Law'
West Bengal Minister Firhad Hakim's speech on Muslim empowerment was followed by the BJP accusing him of hinting at Sharia law, while the TMC defended his remarks.
West Bengal Minister Firhad Hakim has sparked a controversy with his remarks on the empowerment of the Muslim community. Speaking at an event for minority students on Friday, the state’s municipal affairs and urban development minister highlighted the need for Muslims to work towards a position where their voices are automatically heard, and their demands for justice and development are met.
“In West Bengal, we are 33 per cent and nationwide we are 17 per cent. We may be minorities numerically, but by Allah’s grace, we can become so empowered that we will not need to hold candlelight rallies for justice. We will be in a position where our voices are automatically heard, and our calls for justice answered,” Hakim said at the programme, as quoted by news agency PTI.
Hakim also raised concerns about the underrepresentation of Muslims in the judiciary, pointing out the limited number of Muslim judges in the Calcutta High Court and the Supreme Court. He suggested that through empowerment and hard work, this gap could be bridged.
A video of Hakim’s speech has gone viral, though its authenticity could not be independently verified by ABP News. The minister emphasised the importance of cooperation between minority communities and others for the nation’s progress. “We believe in minority community members working hand-in-hand with other communities to facilitate the progress of the nation,” he stated.
BJP Accuses West Bengal Minister Firhad Hakim Of 'Hinting At Sharia Law'
Amit Malviya, BJP's IT cell in-charge, criticised Firhad Hakim’s remarks, accusing him of implying a future Muslim majority in West Bengal and India. He also claimed that Hakim’s vision hinted at Muslims taking justice into their own hands, potentially supporting Sharia law.
“Kolkata's Mayor Firhad Hakim previously revealed his true intentions by describing non-Muslims as 'unfortunate' and endorsing Dawat-e-Islam's efforts to convert Hindus to Islam. He has now claimed that West Bengal, along with the rest of India, will soon have a Muslim majority,” Malviya posted on X.
Kolkata’s Mayor, Firhad Hakim, previously revealed his true intentions by describing non-Muslims as “unfortunate” and endorsing Dawat-e-Islam’s efforts to convert Hindus to Islam. He has now claimed that West Bengal, along with the rest of India, will soon have a Muslim majority.… pic.twitter.com/fjneA8ECIX
— Amit Malviya (@amitmalviya) December 14, 2024
“Hakim envisions a future where Muslims will no longer rely on peaceful protests or marches but will take justice into their own hands, potentially hinting at Sharia law,” Malviya added.
TMC Defends Firhad Hakim's Remarks
Trinamool Congress (TMC) spokesperson Kunal Ghosh defended Hakim, asserting that his comments were being misinterpreted. “What he meant is the uplift of a large number of minority community members so they can join mainstream society and contribute to nation-building,” Ghosh explained, as per PTI.
He further noted Hakim’s secular and liberal values, adding that the minister actively participates in various religious festivals while promoting communal harmony.
Speaking to news agency ANI, Kunal Ghosh contended, "I did not hear the complete statement by Firhad Hakim. So, it is not right to comment on just one statement. In Bengal, we respect all religions and we live in unity. People of Bengal don't want any controversy over religion. As per the details with me, Firhas Hakim laid emphasis on education because it was a Corporation event on education."
#WATCH | On West Bengal Minister and TMC leader Firhad Hakim's reported remarks on Muslim empowerment in the state, party leader Kunal Ghosh says, "I not heard the complete statement by Firhad Hakim. So, it is not right to comment on just one statement. In Bengal, we respect all… pic.twitter.com/G45d6Z4cSD
— ANI (@ANI) December 14, 2024
"So, in his community, education should be made even more important...If there is education, the community will go forward and there will be development..." he added.
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