War of words in Bengal after Governor urges youth to bring change

Kolkata: A political slugfest erupted in West Bengal following a comment by the newly appointed Governor R.N. Ravi, who called on the youth of the state to be part of a change to revive its lost glory.

On the occasion of Bengali New Year’s Day, Ravi, a former Intelligence Bureau (IB) officer, first offered prayers at the iconic Kalighat Kali temple in south Kolkata and thereafter, addressed a gathering at Lok Bhavan in the city to mark the occasion.

There, he said that although West Bengal had in the past been rich in literature, art, culture and intellect, and was economically prosperous after Independence as one of the leading states in the country, that glory had now been lost, and therefore everyone should come forward to restore it.

“Resolve to be positive. Take a pledge to be a part of the change. The change for the better and restoring the lost glory will not fall from the sky. It has to be done by us. It has to be done by each of us. When the country is moving forward at such an unprecedented pace, West Bengal cannot be left behind. West Bengal too has to be a part of it and even lead,” the Governor said.

Speaking on the occasion, the Governor also cited statistical details of the decline in the overall economy of West Bengal over the years.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who was in Islampur in North Dinajpur district to participate in a campaign programme amid the crucial Assembly elections in the state later this year, reacted promptly but without directly naming the Governor.

“I do not want to take the name. The viceroy of Bengal, who stays in the biggest house, gave a statement today. He should have greeted the people of West Bengal on the occasion of the Bengali New Year. But instead, he abused me. Earlier, there was not so much violence. Now, when the administration is under you, there is violence every day. Is this not the fault of the Election Commission of India? I do not have any control over the administration now. All the authority is with the Commission and the Union government,” she said.

When Ravi’s appointment as Governor was announced earlier this year, the Chief Minister had expressed her displeasure, saying that the appointment was made by the Union government without consulting her or giving her prior information.

IANS