Firhad quits Mayor post, ED summons Abhishek:Agency reaches TMC leader’s residence in ongoing primary recruitment scam probe

Trinamool Congress national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee has been served a summons by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with the alleged primary recruitment scam, adding to the mounting challenges facing the ruling party. ED officials visit Abhishek Banerjee’s residence According to sources, two ED officials reached Banerjee’s Kalighat residence on Wednesday evening to deliver the notice. The officials had initially visited his Santiniketan residence but were informed that the Diamond Harbour MP was not there. They subsequently proceeded to his Kolkata home. Abhishek summoned in recruitment scam Significantly, Abhishek Banerjee was reportedly not present at the Kalighat residence when the ED officials arrived, as he had gone to attend a meeting convened by TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee. The officials allegedly had to wait outside for some time before the summons was accepted by a representative. Sources said Banerjee has been asked to appear before the central agency next week in connection with its probe into alleged irregularities in primary school recruitment. The development comes at a politically turbulent time for the Trinamool Congress. Banerjee’s name has already surfaced in the ongoing controversy over alleged forged signatures of MLAs, and the CID has reportedly directed him to appear on Monday in connection with that case. Firhad Hakim steps down as mayor Meanwhile, the party is grappling with an unprecedented internal crisis. Several municipal boards across the state have collapsed in recent weeks, while the Kolkata Municipal Corporation has also witnessed political instability. In another significant development, Kolkata Mayor Firhad Hakim resigned from his post on Wednesday. His resignation came on the same day that the Trinamool Congress effectively split into rival factions, with the party dissolving all its organisational committees and frontal bodies across West Bengal. Mamata reportedly approves resignation request According to party sources, Mamata Banerjee has accepted Hakim’s resignation. TMC leader Kunal Ghosh said Hakim had repeatedly expressed his desire to step down, citing the prevailing political situation and difficulties in carrying out administrative responsibilities. “Firhad Hakim had conveyed to our leader several times that under the current circumstances, it had become difficult to function effectively. After considering all aspects, Mamata Banerjee allowed him to resign while ensuring that his dignity and stature remained intact,” Kunal Ghosh said. Multiple investigations intensify pressure further The twin developments, the ED summons to Abhishek Banerjee and the resignation of Firhad Hakim, have intensified speculation over the future course of West Bengal politics as the ruling party faces both organisational and legal challenges. ​