Kolkata Mayor Firhad Hakim, a prominent Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader, has declared a substantial increase in his financial holdings over the past five years. His election affidavits reveal that his total assets have risen by 69% since 2021, while his annual income has seen an even sharper climb of 160%.
In 2021, Hakim's net worth stood at Rs 13.34 crore. By 2026, this figure had grown to Rs 22.57 crore. Concurrently, his annual income surged from Rs 65.87 lakh in 2021 to Rs 1.71 crore in his most recent filing. The affidavits also indicate a near doubling of his total liabilities, which increased from Rs 83.79 lakh to Rs 1.62 crore during the same period.
Understanding the Asset Growth
The significant increase in Firhad Hakim's wealth is attributed to a combination of factors detailed in his declarations. These include higher bank deposits, new investments, and the appreciation in value of his various immovable properties located within Kolkata and its surrounding districts. Hakim, who describes himself as a "businessman, social worker and politician," also noted that his spouse is engaged in business activities.
Political Career and Legal Status
Firhad Hakim has a long-standing political career, representing the Kolkata Port assembly constituency for multiple terms. He is currently seeking re-election from this seat. He first assumed the role of Kolkata Mayor in December 2018, serving until the civic elections in 2020. He was subsequently re-elected as Mayor in December 2021 and has held the position since.
His latest affidavit also updates his legal profile, listing two pending criminal cases against him, an increase from the single case noted in his 2021 nomination papers. The Kolkata Port constituency is scheduled to go to the polls in the second phase of the elections on April 29. Hakim faces competition from BJP's Rakesh Singh and Congress leader Aquib Gulzar.