West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose took charge of an unprecedented security operation at the Raj Bhavan on Monday, following serious allegations by Trinamool Congress MP Kalyan Banerjee about illegal weapons being stored within the gubernatorial premises.
Governor Cuts Trip Short for Security Sweep
The search operation began at precisely 2:15 PM after Governor Bose abruptly shortened his official visit to North Bengal to address the explosive claims. The Raj Bhavan was completely evacuated before the comprehensive security sweep commenced, with the entire process being livestreamed for transparency.
An official involved in the operation revealed that Governor Bose personally led the multi-agency team comprising Kolkata Police officers, central security forces, bomb disposal squad specialists, and trained canine units. The coordinated effort aimed to verify whether arms and ammunition were indeed being stored illegally within the Raj Bhavan complex.
Unprecedented Access During Security Operation
In an unusual move that emphasized transparency, civil society representatives and journalists were permitted to accompany Governor Bose throughout the search operation. Additional security personnel were deployed at the Raj Bhavan Police Outpost, while officials from the Disaster Management and Civil Defence departments also participated in the extensive ground floor search.
The controversy erupted on Saturday when TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee made serious accusations against the Governor, claiming he was "sheltering BJP criminals" inside Raj Bhavan and providing them with "bombs and guns." These allegations prompted the Governor to seek immediate legal counsel on Sunday.
Governor Vows Strong Action Against "Mischievous" Claims
Governor CV Ananda Bose strongly dismissed the allegations, describing them using Shakespearean terms as "stale, flat, and unprofitable" while characterizing them as "ill-advised, malicious, mischievous, and obnoxious." Speaking to PTI, the Governor emphasized his constitutional responsibility to establish the truth before the public.
"Once that is established and we come clean before the public, strong action will be taken against the mischievous statements made by the Member of Parliament. Proactive and effective action will be taken," Bose declared, indicating impending legal measures against Banerjee.
The Governor expressed concern about what he described as a troubling trend of political leaders making vindictive comments against constitutional authorities. "The Governor is not an individual; the Governor is a constitutional authority. The Constitution cannot be disrespected," he stated firmly.
In response to the Governor's legal threats, Kalyan Banerjee remained defiant, asserting his readiness for a courtroom battle and emphasizing that he could not be intimidated by such legal maneuvers.
