R N Ravi Arrives in Kolkata Ahead of Swearing-In as Bengal Governor
R N Ravi, the governor-designate for West Bengal, arrived in Kolkata on Wednesday evening, marking the beginning of his new role in the politically significant state. His swearing-in ceremony is officially scheduled to take place on Thursday at 11:30 AM at the historic Raj Bhavan.
High-Profile Attendance Expected at Ceremony
According to sources from Nabanna, the state secretariat, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is expected to attend the ceremony alongside senior cabinet ministers and top bureaucrats. Additionally, Assembly Speaker Biman Banerjee is likely to be present, and an invitation has been extended to Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari, highlighting the event's importance across political lines.
Official Reception and Escort to Raj Bhavan
Upon his arrival at Kolkata's Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, Ravi was formally received by Chief Secretary Nandini Chakravorty and Director General of Police Peeyush Pandey. Following the reception, he was escorted under security protocols to Raj Bhavan, where he will assume his duties after the swearing-in.
Ravi's Background and Predecessors
R N Ravi, a former deputy National Security Advisor, becomes the third ex-IPS officer to serve as the governor of West Bengal. His appointment follows the sudden resignation of C V Ananda Bose ahead of the upcoming Bengal assembly elections, a move that political experts suggest could carry significant implications for the state's political landscape.
Previously, ex-NSA M K Narayanan held the governor's post from January 2010 to June 2014, and before him, T V Rajeswar, a former Intelligence Bureau chief, served from 1989 to 1990. Ravi's extensive administrative experience includes serving as the governor of Nagaland between 2019 and 2021 and a notable 54-month tenure at the Chennai Raj Bhavan in Tamil Nadu, which he fondly referred to as the "golden days" of his life.
Endorsement from Former Governor Bose
In a statement to PTI before departing for New Delhi, former governor C V Ananda Bose praised Ravi as a "very competent person" with strong administrative skills and the ability to make independent decisions. Bose, who described Ravi as a friend, advised adopting a "middle path" as the best approach when dealing with West Bengal, a state known for its political sensitivity and vibrant democratic processes.
This endorsement underscores the expectations for Ravi's tenure, as he steps into a role that balances constitutional duties with the complexities of state politics. His arrival and impending swearing-in are being closely watched by observers and stakeholders alike, given the timing ahead of key electoral events and the state's dynamic political environment.
