Sukant Majumdar Criticizes CM Mamata and Mayor Firhad Hakim; Defends Dilip Ghosh

Mazumdar Signals BJP’s Assertive Tone Ahead of Elections

Baby Chakraborty | KalimNews | Kolkata | July 10, 2025 : On the sacred occasion of Guru Purnima, observed across India with spiritual reverence, political undertones surfaced at Nigmanand Ashram in Halishahar, where Dr. Sukant Majumdar, former West Bengal BJP state president and Member of Parliament, addressed a gathering of devotees and supporters. While paying homage to the guru tradition, Majumdar also used the occasion to voice strong political concerns, delivering a sharp critique of the current West Bengal government led by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and the administration of Kolkata Municipal Corporation Mayor Firhad Hakim.

Majumdar began his address by acknowledging the spiritual significance of the day, stating, “We have all gathered here to seek blessings on the auspicious occasion of Guru Purnima.” However, he swiftly pivoted to the socio-political climate in the state, expressing deep dissatisfaction. “My heart feels heavy looking at the condition of West Bengal. While the Chief Minister continues to deliver eloquent speeches, no meaningful work is reaching the people. The state is now mired in rampant corruption and has become a hotbed of money laundering,” he said, voicing concerns that have been echoed across various opposition platforms in recent months.

He reserved particularly pointed criticism for Mayor Firhad Hakim, stating, “The mayor talks constantly about development, yet the realities on the ground — from worsening sewage conditions in Kolkata to increasing civic neglect — tell a different story. Development cannot be claimed merely through photo opportunities and decorative festoons; it must be demonstrated through honest, sustained public service.”

Responding to media queries following his speech, Majumdar was also asked about recent remarks made by senior BJP leader Dilip Ghosh, who is known for his outspoken nature. Clarifying the party’s stance, Majumdar responded calmly, “Dilip da is a senior and experienced leader of our party. His contributions are valuable, and there is no controversy surrounding his statements. In our party, every member has the right to express individual opinions freely.”

Political analysts view this public address as indicative of the Bharatiya Janata Party’s increasingly assertive posture in West Bengal as the state approaches the next assembly elections. What made the moment particularly significant was the platform on which it was delivered — a religious gathering, generally considered apolitical and solemn in nature. Majumdar’s decision to voice political concerns on such a spiritually significant day highlights both the urgency and the strategy behind the BJP's outreach, signaling a potential fusion of cultural and political narratives in the party’s campaign ahead.

The remarks have since drawn considerable attention in political circles, where it is being interpreted as part of the BJP's escalating criticism of the ruling Trinamool Congress government. With issues like corruption, poor urban infrastructure, and public grievances becoming recurrent themes in opposition discourse, the party appears to be leveraging every platform — including religious and community events — to build momentum.

While maintaining compliance with constitutional values and democratic expression, Majumdar’s speech, delivered in a respectful and lawful manner, added another layer to the complex and evolving political scenario in West Bengal. As the electoral atmosphere intensifies, such addresses could play a significant role in shaping public discourse and voter sentiment.