'Those Not Born In Islam Are Unfortunate': TMC Minister Firhad Hakim's 'Communal Speech' Sparks Uproar In West Bengal Assembly

Kolkata Mayor and TMC minister Firhad Hakim’s recent remarks at a religious event sparked political controversy in the West Bengal Assembly on Wednesday (31 July).

The BJP legislators sought an apology from Hakim for his “communal speech” and threatened to boycott him.

Hakim maintained that remarks made outside the House should not be debated inside the Assembly, adding that he would not take secularism lessons from the BJP.

During the ‘All India Quran Competition’ held earlier this month in Kolkata, Hakim said, “Tara durbhagyo niye jonmeche, jara Islam ey jonmaini… Islam dhormobolombi noi, taader modhye chhorate hobey (Those not born in Islam are unfortunate. They are born with misfortune… it (Islam) should be spread among non-Muslims)," Indian Express reported.

“We are Muslims, born in a Muslim home, brought up in a Muslim home, our prayer etiquette is known to most people. But those who were born with misfortune, those who were not born in Islam, Islam is also called to them,” Hakim had said.

Calling the minister’s remarks “highly condemnable,” BJP MLA and Leader of Opposition, Suvendu Adhikari, said, “He (Hakim) talked about urging people from other communities to convert. We have to fight back against this… We have to fight a Dharma Yuddh (holy war).”

During the Question Hour, as Hakim stood up to answer a question, BJP MLAs, led by chief whip Shankar Ghosh, asked him to apologise and withdraw his statement.

“The matter didn’t take place inside the Assembly. So, it should not be discussed here,” Hakim said.

“I have been a secular person throughout my life. Whatever comments I had made at a religious programme have nothing to do with politics and society. I’ll remain secular and non-communal till the last breath of my life. I will not take secularism lessons from the BJP,” Hakim said, leading to a walkout by BJP MLAs.

Throughout the day, BJP MLAs staged walkouts three times over the issue.

Labeling it “unconstitutional” and “unprecedented,” Speaker Biman Bandyopadhyay urged BJP legislators to adhere to the decorum of the Assembly.

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