Kolkata, 07 March (H.S.): West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Saturday alleged that incoming Governor R. N. Ravi is a “BJP cadre” and claimed that the sudden exit of C. V. Ananda Bose from the post was the result of pressure from the Centre.

Addressing supporters on the second day of her sit-in protest against deletions in the voter list, Banerjee accused the BJP-led Union government of attempting to turn Lok Bhavan into a political outpost ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections in the state.

“Have you seen how Ananda Bose was removed? I know everything. He was threatened. They want to distribute money from Lok Bhavan and convert it into a BJP party office. But not everyone will agree to the whims of Delhi,” the Chief Minister said.

Without citing specific instances, Banerjee also took a swipe at Ravi’s tenure in Tamil Nadu, claiming that he had faced several remarks from the Supreme Court. “The person who is coming to West Bengal now, I heard he had to face many observations from the Supreme Court. He is a BJP cadre. But remember, West Bengal is different. Whatever you may have done in Tamil Nadu cannot be done here,” she said.

The Chief Minister further accused the Centre of weakening constitutional institutions and not allowing governors to complete their tenure. In this context, she also referred to former West Bengal Governor and former Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar.

Banerjee compared the Centre’s style of functioning with medieval ruler Muhammad bin Tughlaq and warned that any attempt to threaten the state would be resisted politically.

The remarks come in the backdrop of the sudden resignation of Ananda Bose earlier this week, which triggered intense political reactions in the state. Banerjee had earlier said that Union Home Minister Amit Shah informed her that R N Ravi would take over as the next Governor of West Bengal, although he is yet to formally assume office.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh