‘Unconstitutional’: West Bengal governor slams Mamata Banerjee government for blocking post-poll violence victims
‘Unconstitutional’: West Bengal governor slams Mamata Banerjee government for blocking post-poll violence victims
NEW DELHI: West Bengal governor C V Ananda Bose criticized the state government on Friday for preventing alleged victims of post-poll violence from entering the Raj Bhavan despite his office granting permission. He described the incident as "unconstitutional" and called for a response from chief minister Mamata Banerjee, which he has not yet received.
Governor Bose, who visited a shelter earlier in the day to meet victims, expressed regret over the government's lack of response. “I’m waiting for some inputs from the government on the issue of post-poll violence and then I will be able to give you my comments. At the outset, I regret to say that there has been no response from the government,” he stated to reporters at the Raj Bhavan.
The controversy arose when police blocked BJP legislator and Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari and the victims from entering the Raj Bhavan on Thursday, citing Section 144 of the CrPC, which restricts gatherings outside the governor House. Bose emphasized, “Yesterday I gave permission to the victims of violence in the field who came from various parts of Bengal to meet me in the Raj Bhavan and air their grievances. I was shocked to find that for one reason or the other, they were all prevented from exercising their democratic rights or defending their lives.”
He condemned the government's actions as a violation of constitutional rights, highlighting the fundamental right to life as enshrined in the Indian Constitution. “The incident was an unpardonable act from the government... preventing the victims of violence from airing their grievances to the constitutional head of the state...That situation was brought to the notice of (the) government yesterday,” Bose said.
In his communication to chief minister Banerjee, Bose referenced constitutional norms, specifically Article 167, which mandates that chief ministers must inform governors of all decisions made by the council of ministers related to state administration and legislative proposals. He underscored the need for the government to uphold constitutional rights and transparency.
Bose also visited Maheshwari Bhawan in Burrabazar, where he met with around 150 individuals affected by post-poll violence. Reflecting on his visit, he remarked, “I have heard the victims. That is one version of the story. As a governor, I would like to be fair before making any comments. I have sought a report. After listening to what the government has to say, I will give you my opinion.”
Concluding his remarks, governor Bose said, “Truth cannot be suppressed... Truth will one day be out. What is happening on the streets of West Bengal in many pockets... is violence... unbridled violence is something which is shocking, which is deplorable, to say the least.”
(With agency inputs)
For more news like this visit TOI. Get all the Latest News, City News, India News, Business News, and Sports News. For Entertainment News, TV News, and Lifestyle Tips visit Etimes