Kolkata Mayor Firhad Hakim resigns after seeking Mamata Banerjee's approval, says ‘During my tenure, Kolkata faced…'

Key points

• Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Firhad Hakim stepped down as Kolkata mayor on Friday, a move seen as another sign of the political fallout following the party’s Assembly election setback, which is now affecting institutions that have long formed the backbone of its influence.
• Hakim, regarded as one of the TMC’s most prominent minority leaders and a longtime close aide of Mamata Banerjee, submitted his resignation to the office of KMC Chairperson Mala Roy.
• The administration of the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) is now expected to be handled by bureaucrats until the state government determines the next steps.
• "During my tenure, Kolkata faced several difficult situations, including Cyclone Amphan and the COVID-19 pandemic.
• We overcame those challenges with the support of KMC officials and the people of the city.