Firhad Hakim Hints at Softer Stance Towards Rival Suvendu Adhikari Amid TMC Rebellion

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.