Firhad Hakim NEW DELHI: Mamata Banerjee’s close aide Firhad Hakim on Monday hinted at a softer stance towards the new Bengal chief minister and rival BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari amid the massive rebellion rocking the Trinamool Congress.The Kolkata Port MLA struck a positive tone towards the Suvendu Adhikari-led government, expressing hope for “100% development” under the new BJP administration in the state.Speaking to news agency ANI, Hakim said, “We have always said that we have to rise above party politics and work for the people. We have to focus on development. He (CM Suvendu Adhikari) has spoken about development, and that is a good thing. Kolkata and Bengal will certainly develop if we work together for development.”When asked whether he would share his experience as Kolkata Mayor with the new government, Hakim replied, “Time will tell, but we are all together. We are 100% with development.”His remarks come as the Mamata Banerjee-led TMC grapples with its biggest internal revolt following its crushing electoral defeat to the BJP.The rebellion has weakened the party at both the state and national levels. A faction led by Ritabrata Banerjee secured the support of more than 50 MLAs, majorly denting the TMC’s strength in the assembly. In Parliament, rebel TMC MP Kakoli Dastidar has led a group of 20 MPs to the NCPI, which has offered support to the NDA.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosIndia, Slovakia Upgrade Relations To Comprehensive Partnership; Agree On Counterterror CooperationIndia Turns Up Heat At UN, Seeks Fast-Track Security Council ReformsIndia–Oman Coordination Brings Breakthrough: Indian Crew Rescued Safely”People Began Jumping Out…”: Passenger Recounts Dreading MP Rail Accident Moments’Not Just People, Even Bangladeshi Parties Are Infiltrating’: Adhir Ranjan’s Jibe Amid TMC CrisisBhagwant Mann Faces Akal Takht Rebuke; Sikh Body Summons Punjab CabinetPM Modi Elevates India-Slovakia Ties To Comprehensive Partnership During Historic Bratislava VisitNCERT’s New Class 9 Textbook Alters Mohenjo-daro’s Iconic Dancing Girl, Triggers DebateAbhijeet Dipke Allegedly Slapped At Jaipur Protest, Viral Video Shows Crowd Turning On Accused Man‘My Brother Was Murdered’: Gyan Bindu Director Roshan Anand’s Big Charge Against Khan Sir123PhotostoriesParenting coach uses these “Magic words” to teach children discipline: Why every parent should adopt them10 baby girl names meaning strength, bravery and determination10 baby girl names meaning courage, wisdom and resilience5 snakes that love swimming pools and important checks to do before plunging in that cool blue hotel poolSushmita Sen to Mandira Bedi: 5 bollywood actresses who chose adoption and redefined motherhoodSuccess quote of the day by Egyptian footballer Mohamed Salah: “I always think about small details because…”Your child is not your therapist; 5 hidden ways sharing marital problems affect kids and what can parents do insteadBest national parks in Karnataka: 8 wildlife destinations for tiger safari and birdwatching5 foods a doctor eats to fight fatty liver disease6 foods desi pehalwans ate before protein supplements became a trend123Hot PicksIndia A vs Sri Lanka A live scoreAbhijeet DipkeTarique RahmanGreen Card NewsLamine YamalDana WhiteNoida airportStock Market LiveGold rate todayTop TrendingKerala HSCAP first allotment result 2026UPSC Prelims ResultNEET UG Paper Leak ScamFIFA World Cup 2026Aldon SmithNoida AirportITR filing FY 2025-26CBSE 10th Second Board Result 2026Shreyanka PatilSpain vs Cabo Match Preview
NEW DELHI: Mamata Banerjee’s close aide Firhad Hakim on Monday hinted at a softer stance towards the new Bengal chief minister and rival BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari amid the massive rebellion rocking the Trinamool Congress.The Kolkata Port MLA struck a positive tone towards the Suvendu Adhikari-led government, expressing hope for “100% development” under the new BJP administration in the state.Speaking to news agency ANI, Hakim said, “We have always said that we have to rise above party politics and work for the people. We have to focus on development. He (CM Suvendu Adhikari) has spoken about development, and that is a good thing. Kolkata and Bengal will certainly develop if we work together for development.”When asked whether he would share his experience as Kolkata Mayor with the new government, Hakim replied, “Time will tell, but we are all together. We are 100% with development.”His remarks come as the Mamata Banerjee-led TMC grapples with its biggest internal revolt following its crushing electoral defeat to the BJP.The rebellion has weakened the party at both the state and national levels. A faction led by Ritabrata Banerjee secured the support of more than 50 MLAs, majorly denting the TMC’s strength in the assembly. In Parliament, rebel TMC MP Kakoli Dastidar has led a group of 20 MPs to the NCPI, which has offered support to the NDA.