Kolkata, India – In a pointed critique, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has labeled the incoming Governor, R.N. Ravi, as a "BJP parrot" and a "BJP cadre." Her remarks come in the wake of Governor C.V. Ananda Bose's abrupt resignation, which Banerjee suggests was orchestrated. The Chief Minister views these developments as a concerted effort by the Bharatiya Janata Party-led central government to transform the Raj Bhavan into a political appendage, particularly as state assembly elections loom.
Banerjee contends that R.N. Ravi, currently the Governor of Tamil Nadu, is being appointed to West Bengal with a specific political agenda. She asserted that while Ravi may have operated with a degree of autonomy in Tamil Nadu, his tenure in West Bengal will be met with resistance. "You may have done whatever you wanted in Tamil Nadu, but here you are not letting anyone not finish their term," Banerjee stated, directly referencing Ravi’s prior gubernatorial role. The Chief Minister further alleged that the central government intends to use the Raj Bhavan to "distribute money" and operate as a de facto "BJP party office" in the lead-up to the elections.
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The sudden departure of C.V. Ananda Bose has become a focal point of Banerjee's criticism. She implied that Bose was "forced out," adding another layer to her accusations against the BJP's alleged political maneuvering. Banerjee, speaking to supporters during a dharna protesting the removal of voters from electoral rolls, urged the judiciary to intervene and reinstate the names of eligible voters. She issued a stark warning to the opposition: "If you try to remove genuine voters from the electoral rolls, we will overthrow your government in Delhi."
Adding to the political crossfire, Banerjee also addressed the recent surge in LPG prices, questioning the timing and planning behind the hikes. She described the increases as "forceful" and lacking adequate foresight, specifically targeting beneficiaries of scholarships, suggesting that these are the only individuals not impacted by the rise.
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This exchange unfolds against the backdrop of the approaching state assembly elections. The appointment of R.N. Ravi and the departure of C.V. Ananda Bose are seen by Banerjee's Trinamool Congress as calculated moves by the BJP to gain an electoral advantage. In a related announcement, Banerjee unveiled the 'Yuva Sathi' scheme, promising a monthly allowance of Rs. 1,500 to unemployed youths aged 21-41 who have completed their Madhyamik examinations, a benefit intended to commence shortly.