Firhad Hakim Political Exit plans have come into focus after the former Kolkata mayor reportedly ruled out contesting the upcoming civic polls and indicated that he and his family may stay away from politics after his current term as MLA ends.
Qalam Times News Network
Kolkata, October 24, 2026
Former Mayor Firhad Hakim Says He Will Serve Kolkata Port Constituency Until His MLA Term Ends
Firhad Hakim Political Exit has become a talking point in West Bengal’s political circles after reports emerged that the former Kolkata mayor does not intend to contest the upcoming municipal elections. According to accounts of conversations within his close circle, Hakim has also indicated that his daughter, Priyadarshini, is unlikely to enter the civic poll contest and that members of the Hakim family may eventually withdraw from active politics.
The reported decision would mark a significant change for Firhad Hakim, a long-serving political figure who has held several important positions during his career. He has served five terms as a councillor, twice as the mayor of Kolkata, four times as an MLA and twice as a minister. Despite the reported setback for his political camp in the 2026 Assembly elections, he secured victory from the Kolkata Port constituency, according to the supplied account.
Hakim is said to have told people close to him that he intends to continue serving his constituency for the remainder of his current legislative term. After that, he reportedly plans to step away from politics rather than remain involved in what he described as the “murky world” of political activity.
A Long Political Career of Firhad Hakim Marked by Achievements and Controversies
Hakim’s tenure as Kolkata mayor was associated with efforts to accelerate civic work and improve the pace of municipal administration. Supporters credited him with pushing forward projects and attempting to make the corporation more responsive to residents’ needs.
However, his political career has also been accompanied by controversy. Allegations concerning financial irregularities and alleged illegal appointments within the Kolkata Municipal Corporation have attracted the attention of investigating agencies. Hakim himself has faced investigation in connection with matters reported in the public domain. Allegations and investigations, however, should not be treated as proof of guilt unless established through the relevant legal process.
Following the 2026 Assembly elections, the political situation surrounding the Kolkata Municipal Corporation reportedly changed. The supplied account states that Hakim resigned as mayor in June amid mounting pressure after a BJP government came to power in West Bengal. He subsequently joined the political camp led by Ritabrata Banerjee and is currently described in the supplied report as a member of the Democratic Trinamool Congress. His reported decision not to contest the next municipal elections comes against this backdrop of political change, controversy and uncertainty over his future role.
No Municipal Poll Contest for Firhad Hakim or His Daughter
According to reports attributed to people in his close circle, Hakim has made it clear that he will not contest the forthcoming municipal elections under any party’s banner. The same account indicates that his daughter, Priyadarshini, will also stay out of the contest. She previously held a position in the women’s wing of the Trinamool Congress, and speculation had emerged that she might be considered for a municipal seat.
That speculation gained attention after the redrawing of municipal wards affected Ward 82 in Chetla, an area associated with Hakim’s political career. The ward has been divided into two parts, with one of the resulting wards reportedly reserved for women. This led to discussion about whether his daughter might enter the electoral contest.
Hakim’s reported remarks have effectively cast doubt on that possibility. If the account is accurate, neither he nor his daughter intends to use the upcoming civic elections as an opportunity to continue the family’s political presence.
In remarks attributed to him in conversations with people close to him, Hakim reportedly emphasised that his immediate responsibility remains the people of the Kolkata Port constituency.
He was quoted as saying that he would continue working as a public representative for as long as his current term as MLA lasts, after which he would leave politics.
The reported statement suggests that his decision is not an immediate withdrawal from public office. Rather, it points to a possible transition at the end of his legislative term, which would ordinarily extend to 2031 if the Assembly completes its full term.
Hakim has also reportedly expressed concern that his family has become a target of different groups for various reasons. The supplied account attributes to him a desire to keep his family away from the pressures and rivalries of political life.
These comments have added to speculation about whether one of Kolkata’s prominent political families is preparing for a gradual exit from electoral politics. However, the reported conversations have not, in the material provided, been accompanied by a formal public announcement confirming the future plans of every family member.
What the Reported Decision Could Mean for Kolkata Politics
Hakim’s reported intention to avoid the municipal elections could have implications for the political contest in Chetla and the wider Kolkata civic landscape. His long association with Ward 82 has made him a familiar figure in local electoral politics, while speculation about his daughter’s possible candidacy had raised questions about the family’s future representation.
If he follows through on the reported plan, the next municipal elections could mark a turning point in his direct involvement in Kolkata’s civic politics. The decision could also prompt political parties to reassess their candidate choices in areas where Hakim has traditionally exercised influence.
For now, the key distinction is between his reported refusal to contest the forthcoming civic polls and his stated intention, as described in the supplied account, to continue serving as an MLA until his current term ends.
A definitive political exit after that point would depend on whether Hakim confirms and follows through on the reported plan. His daughter’s political future would likewise require confirmation rather than being inferred solely from reports of private conversations.
