In a bold act of defiance, West Bengal Governor C V Ananda Bose took to the bustling streets of central Kolkata on Friday, January 9, 2026, without his Z-plus security detail, mere hours after receiving a direct death threat via email.
A Defiant Walk Inspired by Tagore
Dubbing his initiative "Ekla Cholo Re" (Walk Alone), Governor Bose drew direct inspiration from Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore's iconic song about courage and resilience. This dramatic move came as state and central security agencies launched a frantic investigation into an "audacious" threatening email that warned of a "possible blast" targeting the Governor's life.
Undeterred by the heightened alert, Bose was seen mingling with citizens, shopkeepers, and office-goers in the congested Dacres Lane area of Kolkata. He engaged in conversations, shaking hands and listening to people, presenting a picture of calm amidst the security storm.
Governor's Message on Violence and Corruption
Speaking to reporters during his walk, Governor Bose pinpointed two critical challenges plaguing West Bengal. "Violence and corruption" were the main issues he highlighted, emphasizing the urgent need for "strong and proactive action to restore the state's stability and governance."
The Governor's official residence, Lok Bhavan, elaborated on his stance through a post on social media platform X. The post stated that Bose, "having full faith in the people of West Bengal," decided to walk alone following the threat. It described him as an ardent admirer of Tagore, whose philosophy inspired him to stand his ground on the right path. "Nothing influences me in my discharge of duties," the Governor was quoted as saying.
Security Scramble and Investigation
The seriousness of the threat, which specifically mentioned a targeted explosion, triggered an immediate report to the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) in New Delhi. Security was intensified at Lok Bhavan, with the West Bengal Police and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) enhancing surveillance. Sources revealed that a high-level meeting was convened at midnight to review all security protocols within the Governor's residence.
On the investigative front, authorities have made swift progress. A person has been detained from the New Town area of Kolkata in connection with the threatening email. Investigators are also working to trace the digital footprint of the email to determine if it is linked to previous threatening communications received by the Governor's office.
This incident underscores the tense political and security climate in the state, with the Governor's symbolic walk becoming a powerful statement of intent and a direct challenge to forces of intimidation.
