West Bengal minister Firhad Hakim made a novel comparison on Sunday, likening Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to Santa Claus for her governments development schemes.Speaking at an event, Hakim, considered close to Banerjee, recalled his childhood experience of waking up on Christmas morning to gifts from Santa. When we were kids, on Christmas Eve, we used to think Santa Claus would come. On Christmas morning, we used to see that either toys or chocolates were gifted. At that time, I used to think does Santa Claus really come Now I realise Santa Claus really comes, he stated.Drawing a parallel, Hakim said, Mamata Banerjee is our very own Santa, who has given the state everything. He pointed to specific schemes launched by the Chief Minister that have benefitted people.Mamata Banerjee is our very own Santa, who helps needy parents in continuing the education of their girl child through the Kanyashree scheme. When parents dont have money to get their daughters married, she comes with a Rupashree card to help the family, Hakim elaborated.Through the Santa Claus analogy, the minister portrayed Banerjee as a benefactor who has uplifted lives in the state via her initiatives. While unorthodox, the comparison highlights Hakims staunch support for the Chief Minister.
