Hakim’s “Muslim Majority” Remark Sparks Outrage: A Dangerous Agenda?
The Controversial Statement
Firhad Hakim, Bengal’s Urban Development Minister, and senior TMC leader, has stirred a major controversy with his recent remarks. In a viral video, Hakim’s allegedly said, “We are from a community that accounts for 33% of West Bengal’s population. In India, however, we account for 17% and are called a minority. But we don’t think of ourselves as a minority. We believe that if Allah’s grace is with us, we can become a bigger majority than the majority one day.”
"We are 33% in West Bengal and 17% across the country, and we are called minority community in India. But in the coming days, we will no longer remain a minority…….we will become the majority" ~ Firhad Hakim, Mayor of Kolkata.
He knows very well that Demography is Destiny. pic.twitter.com/LI6Rjagp3p
— Anshul Saxena (@AskAnshul) December 15, 2024
The statement immediately drew sharp criticism from various quarters, especially the BJP and Hindu organizations. BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari called the remark “dangerous,” asserting it hinted at a plan to turn West Bengal into another Bangladesh. He argued that this vision of “becoming the majority” threatens to destroy the secular and democratic fabric of India.
What Does the Statement Imply?
Hakim’s remark has fueled fears among Hindus, who already feel targeted and cornered in various parts of the subcontinent. West Bengal shares a border with Bangladesh, a nation where Hindus once made up 30% of the population at the time of Partition. Today, that figure stands at less than 8%, largely due to systematic violence, forced conversions, and persecution.
"People who weren't born into Islam are unfortunate. We have to spread Islam among them (Hindus)."
~ Firhad Hakim, Kolkata Mayor and TMC Leader
The Aim of TMC is clear. They just want to spread Islam in West Bengal.
It's becoming more of a religious party than a political… pic.twitter.com/cv6QEf3lDy
— Sunanda Roy 👑 (@SaffronSunanda) July 5, 2024
This context makes Hakim’s statement alarming. While he defends himself as “diehard secular” and patriotic, his words resonate differently in light of recent events in Bangladesh, where Hindus face a grim reality. The idea of achieving a majority status does not come across as a mere population statistic. It evokes concerns about the systematic marginalization of Hindus, mirroring the events across the border.
A new definition of secularism unlocked :
"Currently, we are a minority, but we will soon become the majority. And then we will not seek justice, but rather snatch it."
– TMC Minister, Kolkata Mayor Firhad Hakim.pic.twitter.com/q4WGFRFYG0— Rishi Bagree (@rishibagree) December 15, 2024
Concerns Raised by Critics
Critics argue that the statement is more than just rhetoric. It aligns with historical patterns seen in regions where demographic shifts have led to increased tensions.
BJP MLA and Leader of Opposition in the Assembly,. Suvendu Adhikari, said: “He (Hakim) has said that on population ground, they will become a majority… It is a good thing that there should be more people from the Muslim community in our judiciary. What is wrong if someone is selected on the basis of merit. I believe that on the basis of merit, whether you are Sikh, Hindu, Muslim, Jain, Christian or Buddhist, everyone should break set norms and achieve great things and get higher posts. But it should not be on the basis of religion. He can definitely wish that more Muslim people to take good education, I don’t see anything wrong in it. But this kind of dangerous talk that in India, we are 17 percent and in Bengal we are 33 percent. If someone says that we must consolidate power, it will eventually become Bangladesh or Afghanistan… When Muslims cross 50 percent of the population, the Constitution is not followed, Muslim Personal Board law is followed. Naturally, what he saying is very dangerous.”
BJP’s IT Cell chief Amit Malviya took a harsher tone, accusing Hakim of suggesting a future where Muslims no longer rely on peaceful protests but enforce justice through strength, potentially hinting at the implementation of Sharia law.
“Pure venom from the Kolkata Mayor. TMC’s Firhad Hakim is openly inciting communal hatred and pushing a dangerous agenda. This isn’t just a hate speech — it’s a blueprint for creating a Bangladesh-type situation in India… Our nation will not tolerate such threats to its unity and integrity,” state BJP chief Sukanta Majumdar posted on his X handle.
Even Hindu monks, such as Kartik Maharaj of Bharat Sevashram Sangha, have expressed concern. Maharaj stated, “Instead of focusing on education or economic upliftment of the Muslim community, Hakim is emphasizing numbers. This only encourages infiltration and population manipulation, leading to instability.”
Lessons from Bangladesh: A Grim Reminder
The fear is not baseless. The fate of Hindus in Bangladesh offers a stark reminder of how demographic shifts can impact minorities. Post-Partition, Bangladesh’s Hindu population stood at around 30%. Today, it has plummeted to under 8%. This decline is not due to natural migration or assimilation but systematic targeting through violence, intimidation, and forced conversions. Temples have been desecrated, lands confiscated, and families driven out under the guise of communal hatred.
The same story has played out in regions like Kashmir, where the once-thriving Hindu population faced ethnic cleansing, forcing many to leave their ancestral homes. These incidents highlight the dangers of a demographic narrative that prioritizes majority status over coexistence.
Hakim’s words, whether intentional or not, fuel fears of a similar situation in West Bengal. For many Hindus, this evokes a sense of déjà vu—a reminder of what has been lost and the potential dangers ahead.
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The Timing Raises Questions
Hakim’s statement also comes at a time when Bangladesh is witnessing a surge in Islamist aggression. Just days ago, reports surfaced of widespread violence against Hindus in the region, including targeted killings and temple destruction. The timing of Hakim’s remarks, juxtaposed with these events, raises serious concerns.
Is this rhetoric a reflection of political aspirations tied to religious identity? Or is it an effort to consolidate votes by playing into communal sentiments? Either way, such remarks undermine India’s secular fabric and push the narrative into dangerous territory.
In Hakim’s Eyes: A Twisted Definition of Secularism
While Hakim defends himself as secular, his repeated controversial remarks suggest a troubling pattern. For Hakim, secularism seems to mean treating Hinduism as inferior while promoting everything else. His rhetoric consistently positions Hindus as the “problem” while ignoring the reality of Islamist aggression and violence. Such a skewed understanding of secularism not only distorts its true meaning but also alienates the Hindu community, further dividing the society he claims to unify.
After DMK, an I.N.D.I Alliance member, vows to annihilate Sanatan Dharma, Firhad Hakim, senior TMC leader, Mayor of Kolkata, a position held by illustrious people in the past, and a close confidant of Mamata Banerjee, in an undated video, claims that soon 50% of the people of… pic.twitter.com/o1LKDUFzgs
— Amit Malviya (@amitmalviya) December 19, 2023
The Path Forward:
Hakim’s remarks are not just words; they are a reflection of an ideology that threatens to disrupt India’s unity. For Hindus, they serve as a reminder of the persecution faced in neighboring Bangladesh and Kashmir. India cannot afford to ignore these warning signs. The government, judiciary, and civil society must work together to uphold the principles of equality, secularism, and justice.
Failing to act will only embolden those who seek to divide the nation. As history has shown, silence in the face of such rhetoric often comes at a great cost. The question remains: will India learn from the past, or will it repeat the mistakes of its neighbors?