Firhad Hakim's “Minority to Majority” comments spark debate; TMC MLA calls for focus on quality, not quantity

West Bengal Minister Firhad Hakim recently made controversial remarks regarding the demographic composition of Bengal, which has a significant Muslim population. Speaking about the Muslim community in the state, which constitutes roughly 33% of the population, Hakim stated that while they are often considered a minority, they do not view themselves as such. He further added, “In Bengal, we are only 33%. But we don’t consider ourselves a minority. One day, we might go from being a minority to a majority.” His comments raised questions about the political and social implications of demographic shifts in the state.

In response to Hakim’s statement, a TMC MLA from Debra criticized the focus on population size and instead called for an emphasis on the quality of life. The MLA wrote, “Life should not just be long, but meaningful, Hujur Hakimji. We need quality, not quantity. Five children—a rickshaw puller, a vegetable seller, a hawker, a migrant worker—why not have two children, be a teacher, doctor, or at least a police officer like me?” This response emphasized the importance of professional development, education, and socio-economic advancement over population growth.

Various TMC leaders also responded to Hakim’s remarks. Humayun Kabir, the MLA from Bharatpur, advised Hakim to think carefully before making such statements, suggesting that public remarks on sensitive topics should be measured. Additionally, TMC leader Kunal Ghosh responded to the Debra MLA’s comment by stating that Hakim’s words were similar to a famous movie dialogue, but not all cinematic lines are applicable to real-life situations. He did not directly address the merit of the MLA's critique.

Opposition parties, particularly the BJP, have criticized Hakim's statement. BJP State President Sukanta Majumdar accused the TMC of fostering divisive narratives, claiming that Hakim’s remarks reflect a broader mindset among Muslim leaders within the TMC and other political parties. He argued that such views are prevalent among Muslim leaders in various political parties. BJP leader Dilip Ghosh called for strict action against Hakim, stating that the ruling party should expel him for making controversial remarks that could further divide communities in the state.