West Bengal Assembly polls: Firhad Hakim, Mamata Banerjee's trusted lieutenant and a key pillar of TMC

Firhad Hakim has been a long-standing ally of both the TMC and its chief Mamata Banerjee. Hakim, known as "Bobby da" by his supporters, became the first Muslim Mayor of Kolkata since Independence and is now contesting from the Port constituency.

Hakim's significance in the upcoming West Bengal elections stems from his loyalty towards the party. Ahead of the polls, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is facing a sea of resignations from leaders who were previously prominent leaders in TMC.

Hakim's rise in the party emerges from his consecutive wins in the elections. Since his win in the 2009 by-poll, he has gone on to secure two more terms before he became the Urban development minister in Mamata's first cabinet.

Also read: Bengal BJP chief Dilip Ghosh's 'Wear Bermudas' remark for CM Mamata sparks outrage

His presence in the party remains not only a symbol of a party-loyalist but also of arguably the closest aid to Mamata Banerjee. Recently, he was seen driving the CM on a scooter to protest a record hike in petrol and diesel prices. And, when Mamata was discharged from hospital after an alleged attack on her in Nandigram, Hakim was among the party leaders who stood by her.

However, while Hakim is a strong candidate for TMC, he is often subjected to attacks by the BJP. TMC turncoat and now a prominent leader in saffron camp Suvendu Adhikari, without naming him, has referred to him as "mini Pakistan mantri", allegedly in light of Hakim's comments while speaking to a Pakistani publication. He says, in the past, Adhikari defended him against this "fake propaganda."

Among BJP's key agenda against the TMC has also been "dynasty politics" after Mamata's nephew Abhishek Banerjee rose in ranks. Hakim thinks of this as passing the baton to the next generation.

Read more: Mamata Banerjee's assets decreased by 45.08% from 2016

“I don’t think it is dynasty (politics)…young leaders will come forward to handle the youth wing. And after Suvedu Adhikari (who has defected to the BJP), Abhishek was there (in line). The next generation has to come (forward). I’m around the same age as Mamata Banerjee. The torch has to be carried; someone will emerge from the next generation…if Abhishek emerges, what objection does anyone have?” Hakim told News 18.

Hakim says Muslim vote fragmentation isn't a possibility despite ISF's presence and reiterated that TMC continues to be a secular party. After multiple defections within the party, Hakim's service to TMC and Mamata can be key in the elections.