India, April 30 -- Among Trinamool workers, leaders and supporters seen campaigning for chief minister Mamata Banerjee in Bhabanipur recently, one face spotted the most - Bengal minister and Kolkata Mayor Firhad Hakim. However, he is not just campaigning for TMC supremo but is also the party's candidate from the Kolkata Port constituency.

Hakim is considered a central figure in the state's urban governance structure. First elected as an MLA from the Kolkata Port constituency in 2011, he has retained the seat in subsequent assembly elections, making him a consistent electoral presence in Kolkata politics.

A close associate of Mamata Banerjee, he has been part of the state cabinet since the TMC came to power and has handled key portfolios...