The BJP in West Bengal opposed the appointment of Urban Development Minister Firhad Hakim as the chairman of Tarakeswar Development Board. Tarakeswar is a holy place where one of the biggest Shiva temples in the state is located, and the temple trustee board comes under Tarkeswar Development Board.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had, last month, made Hakim the chairman of the newly formed development board.
Senior BJP leader Subramanian Swamy threatened to move Calcutta High Court against the decision if the government does not cancel the appointment.
“This is clearly unlawful. No Muslim personality could be made the chairman of the trustee board,” national secretary of BJP Rahul Sinha said, adding, “ Government’s appeasement in West Bengal is at highest peak.”
“The chief minister has donated Rs 5 crore to the development board she has created. The board will not only take care of the temple but also look after the entire Tarakeswar area. The criticism that I have become authority of the temple is totally baseless. However, anybody has the right to go to court,” said Hakim.
Promising that Tarakeswar would see major change under him, the minister urged the BJP not to make the issue communal.
