Mamata Banerjee Condemns Ouster of Former Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose
In a significant political development, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee paid a courtesy visit to former governor CV Ananda Bose on Tuesday evening at Soujanya, a state government guest house in Kolkata reserved for diplomats and dignitaries. During the meeting, Banerjee strongly denounced Bose's recent resignation, labeling it an act of "injustice" and alleging it was politically motivated ahead of upcoming elections.
Details of the Meeting and Bose's Stay
Bose, who had returned from Delhi, opted to stay at Soujanya instead of the Raj Bhavan following his resignation, a decision Banerjee supported as a gesture of courtesy by the Bengal government. She explained that Bose, possessing self-respect, initially considered a private hotel, but she intervened to offer the state facility. "He has faced injustice. He has been wronged," Banerjee stated to reporters after the visit, emphasizing their long-standing acquaintance and collaborative work.
Banerjee revealed that Bose was originally scheduled to fly to Bagdogra on Friday to receive the President, with a Bengal government flight prepared, but he was abruptly called to Delhi before the trip. She criticized the central government for not consulting her on the appointment of his successor, RN Ravi, a former IPS officer, which she claimed violates established conventions.
Transition to New Governor RN Ravi
Meanwhile, governor-designate RN Ravi is expected to arrive in Kolkata on Wednesday afternoon. His swearing-in ceremony is scheduled for Thursday morning at Raj Bhavan, with Calcutta High Court Chief Justice Sujoy Paul administering the oath of office. Raj Bhavan officials confirmed that all arrangements are in place to welcome Ravi, and Banerjee is reportedly scheduled to attend the event, though she did not comment on this directly.
At the end of her five-day dharna at Esplanade, Banerjee announced her visit to Bose, stating it was out of courtesy as he prepares to leave the city. She highlighted that Bose had over a year and a half remaining in his five-year term, calling his removal unfair and timed strategically before polls. The Raj Bhavan staff had earlier bid farewell to Bose at the Indian Museum, marking the end of his tenure amidst controversy.
This incident underscores ongoing tensions between the state and central governments, with Banerjee's actions reflecting her stance against perceived political interference in gubernatorial appointments.
