West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose responded to the sit-in protest initiated by Trinamool Congress (TMC) General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee outside his residence with a conciliatory tone, suggesting an alternative approach to the ongoing standoff.
In a bid to defuse the tension, Governor CV Ananda Bose made the appeal, "Gherao nai, Ghar aao (Don't lay siege, come home)," in response to Abhishek Banerjee's protest outside the Governor's residence. Banerjee had declared that the sit-in demonstration would persist until the Governor agreed to meet with representatives from the TMC.
The Governor, who had traveled from Jalpaiguri to Delhi on Thursday, responded to Banerjee's assertion that "Raj Bhawan had a zamindari attitude." Bose challenged this claim, stating, "Going to Zameen (land) is not zamindari (feudalism)," and added, "Refusing to go to Zameen and governing the farmers from cozy city palaces is neo-zamindari."
He stressed the sanctity of "mati" (land) and its people, emphasizing his strong connection with the grassroots.
Bose elucidated his perspective, asserting that "going to villages means going to the grassroots, which in Bengali means 'Trinamool.' It is news that the Trinamool (party) wants others to keep off the 'Trinamool.' What does it fear? Does it fear that its zamindari is at stake?" the Governor questioned.
Furthermore, addressing the comments made by Minister of Irrigation and Waterways, Partha Bhowmick, who had referred to the Governor as a 'tourist' during his visits to flood-affected areas, Bose responded by affirming his commitment to visit places where his constituents are facing adversity. He also expressed a wish for government ministers to similarly engage with these situations.
Referring to the Waterways Minister, Bose remarked, "He is the Waterways Minister, if he comes in the field, he will realize that here, the roadways have become waterways."
The Governor also offered an alternative perspective on the TMC's protests, interpreting them as demonstrations of support. He stated, "They are only expressing solidarity with me. I am going back. Moreover, they are right; a governor should not stay permanently in a circuit house. He has to go back."
Finally, Governor CV Ananda Bose extended an invitation to the TMC to opt for dialogue over protests, expressing a wish for all parties to act wisely, saying, "Sabko sanmati de Bhagwan" (May God grant wisdom to all).
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