The Trinamool Congress on Monday formally distanced itself from the allegedly contentious remarks on minorities by minister and Calcutta mayor Firhad Hakim.

“The All India Trinamool Congress firmly disassociates itself from and strongly condemns the statement made by Shri Firhad Hakim, MIC GoWB, at an event day before yesterday,” said the TMC in a brief statement posted on social media.

“These comments do not reflect the party’s position or ideology,” it added.

Sources said chief minister Mamata Banerjee was “displeased” with Hakim — whom she considers one of her most trustworthy lieutenants — and had censured him in a private conversation. They said she reminded him of similar allegedly inflammatory remarks in July and warned him against recurrence.

“Our commitment to peace, unity, and communal harmony remains unwavering. Any remarks that threaten the social fabric of West Bengal will be met with strict measures,” concluded the statement on Hakim.

During a public appearance on Sunday, Hakim was vague when asked for clarification, but stressed his commitment to secularism.