The ongoing conflict between West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee took a sharp turn on Friday as the Governor ignored the state government’s plea to delay his visit and proceeded to visit Malda district, where victims of recent communal violence in Murshidabad are seeking refuge.
Mamata Banerjee had urged the Governor on Thursday to postpone his trip, citing the sensitive situation and ongoing efforts by the state government to restore normalcy.
She stated, "I would like to request the Governor to postpone his plan to visit the areas for a few days as normalcy is being restored. Police and the state government are working to re-establish the rule of law. I could have gone there myself, but this is not the right time."
Despite the Chief Minister’s appeal, Governor Bose remained resolute in his decision to visit the area, arguing that he had a duty to assess the situation personally.
"I am going to the field," he said before leaving Kolkata. "I will visit hospitals, victims’ residences, and relief camps. I want to verify the reports we have received and will send my recommendations after speaking to the victims."
The Governor’s visit came amidst growing unrest in Malda, where displaced families from Dhulian, Murshidabad, have taken shelter following violent communal clashes over the amendments to the Waqf Act.
As Bose made his way to the affected areas, protests erupted. Locals raised slogans like “Mamata Hathao, Desh Bachao” (Remove Mamata from power, save the country) and demanded answers regarding alleged atrocities against the Hindu community.
One protester questioned, "Once we fled from Bangladesh, now from Murshidabad. Where will we go next? Mamata is silent."
The displaced families, who are currently housed in a school in Malda, expressed frustration with their conditions, complaining about being kept in isolation, with limited movement and no contact with the local residents.
Tensions continued to escalate as police attempted to control the crowd and clear the premises before the Governor’s arrival. Once on the ground, Governor Bose sought to diffuse the situation, emphasising the need for peace and resolution.
“I have come to deliver a message of peace. I am speaking to the victims and trying to understand their needs and state of mind. Quick action will follow after assessing the full situation,” he stated from the relief camp.
Also Read: NCW chief to meet riot-affected women in WB's Murshidabad
The Governor’s visit further heightened political tensions, with the ruling Trinamool Congress accusing the BJP and Bose of attempting to exploit the unrest for political gain. A team from the National Human Rights Commission also visited the region, adding a layer of complexity to the already fraught situation between Raj Bhavan and Nabanna.
This incident adds to a growing list of confrontations between the Governor and the state government, a conflict that reflects the widening divide between the two.
The Trinamool Congress has repeatedly accused Bose of exceeding his constitutional role and aligning with the BJP’s political interests, while the Governor maintains that his actions are necessary to protect citizens’ rights and uphold the Constitution.
With communal tensions simmering and political accusations intensifying, the standoff between Raj Bhavan and the state government is likely to deepen, leaving West Bengal’s administrative and political landscape increasingly polarised.
Also Read: Bengal govt tells HC: Situation under control in Murshidabad
Follow us
