Firhad Hakim, a close aide to Mamata Banerjee, praised West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari (BJP) for his development work at a Kolkata civic-body event [1].

The interaction marks a rare moment of public cross-party acknowledgment in a region known for intense political rivalry. Such gestures may signal a shift in the political atmosphere following the BJP's rise to power in the state.

Hakim said that the development initiatives led by Adhikari were noteworthy [1]. The two leaders appeared together during the civic proceedings in Kolkata, where Hakim highlighted the positive impact of the administration's infrastructure and growth efforts [1].

This public endorsement follows a period of significant transition for the state's leadership. Suvendu Adhikari was appointed as the chief minister of West Bengal following a BJP state legislative meeting held May 8 [2].

However, Hakim's current stance contrasts with his previous professional actions. He had previously resigned as the mayor of Kolkata, saying that it was difficult to function after the BJP assumed power in Bengal [1]. Despite that earlier exit, his presence at the event and his praise for the current administration suggests a willingness to engage with the new leadership on the basis of civic improvement.

The event took place in Kolkata, where the focus remained on the city's civic needs and the administration's role in meeting those demands [1].

“Firhad Hakim publicly praised Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari for his 'development' work.”

The public praise from a former ally of Mamata Banerjee toward a BJP chief minister suggests a pragmatic pivot in West Bengal's political landscape. While ideological divisions remain sharp, the willingness of former administration officials to acknowledge the 'development' work of the opposing party may indicate a move toward administrative cooperation for the sake of urban governance in Kolkata.