West Bengal Minister Firhad Hakim faces backlash over comments on Muslim empowerment and justice

Bengal Minister Firhad Hakim’s call for Muslim empowerment prompts BJP’s charge of ‘hinting at Sharia law’

West Bengal Minister Firhad Hakim has sparked controversy with his remarks about the empowerment of the Muslim community, stating that Muslims should work towards a position where their “voices are automatically heard” and their demands for justice and development are met. Speaking at an event for minority students in the state on Friday, Hakim emphasized that while Muslims make up 33% of the population in West Bengal and 17% nationwide, they could be empowered to a level where they no longer need to hold protests for justice.

Hakim remarked, “In West Bengal, we are 33 percent and nationwide we are 17 percent. 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.”

The minister also pointed out the underrepresentation of Muslims in the judiciary, citing the few Muslim judges in both the Calcutta High Court and the Supreme Court, and suggested that empowerment and hard work could bridge this gap. Hakim’s speech, which was shared widely in a video, has drawn criticism from some quarters, although its authenticity has not been independently verified.

Hakim stressed the importance of cooperation between the Muslim community and other groups for the nation’s progress, saying, “We believe in minority community members working hand-in-hand with other communities to facilitate the progress of the nation.”

BJP accuses Firhad Hakim of hinting at Sharia law

The remarks drew sharp criticism from BJP’s IT cell in-charge Amit Malviya, who accused Hakim of implying that West Bengal and India would soon have a Muslim majority. Malviya alleged that Hakim’s statement hinted at Muslims taking justice into their own hands, potentially signaling support for Sharia law. Malviya also referred to Hakim’s previous controversial statements, including his comments on non-Muslims and the efforts of Dawat-e-Islam.

TMC defends Hakim

In response to the backlash, Trinamool Congress (TMC) spokesperson Kunal Ghosh defended Hakim’s statement, claiming that it had been 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. He also reiterated Hakim’s commitment to secular and liberal values, highlighting his active participation in various religious festivals and efforts to promote communal harmony.

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