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Bengal's New Governor Meets Top Officials Amid Election Code of Conduct

New West Bengal Governor R.N. Ravi held his first official meeting with the state's newly appointed Chief Secretary Dushyant Nariala and Home Secretary Sanghamitra Ghosh at Raj Bhavan. The meeting, lasting about 30 minutes, focused on the current situation in the state against the backdrop of the upcoming Assembly elections. This interaction follows a reshuffle of top bureaucrats ordered by the Election Commission after the Model Code of Conduct came into force. Governor Ravi, who succeeded C.V. Ananda Bose, is beginning his duties even as his official office setup is still being finalized.

Key Points: Bengal Governor R.N. Ravi Meets Chief Secy, Home Secy

  • First official meeting since Governor's oath
  • Discussions on state situation ahead of polls
  • Meeting follows EC-mandated bureaucratic reshuffle
  • Governor's office not yet fully set up
2 min read

Bengal Chief Secy, Home Secy meet Guv Ravi at Raj Bhavan

New West Bengal Governor R.N. Ravi holds first meeting with Chief Secretary Dushyant Nariala and Home Secretary Sanghamitra Ghosh amid election preparations.

"the Governor made detailed inquiries regarding the current situation in the state - State Secretariat Insider"

Kolkata, March 19

The new West Bengal Chief Secretary Dushyant Nariala and state Home Secretary Sanghamitra Ghosh visited the Raj Bhavan on Thursday to meet the new Governor R.N. Ravi.

According to an insider at the State Secretariat Nabanna, they remained there for nearly 30 minutes.

This marks the first instance since assuming office that Governor Ravi has met with any administrative official of the state government, besides meeting Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and others during the oath-taking ceremony on March 12.

The Governor made detailed inquiries regarding the current situation in the state, especially in the view of the upcoming Assembly polls.

Reports indicate that a meeting took place.

On March 15, the day the Model Code of Conduct came into effect in the state following the issuance of Assembly polls notification, the Election Commission effected a reshuffle in the posts of Chief Secretary and Home Secretary for which Dushyant Nariala and Sanghamitra Ghosh were appointed respectively.

Governor Ravi has now held discussions with them.

According to the insider, the Governor's office has not yet been fully set up.

Governor Ravi has requested the appointment of a state Secretary.

Reports suggest that once a Secretary is appointed, the Governor plans to commence his work in a more organised manner.

However, it was learnt that Governor Ravi has already become active even before his office has been fully arranged.

He has begun making inquiries regarding the state's situation against the backdrop of the ongoing Assembly elections.

It may be noted that once the Model Code of Conduct comes into force, the Election Commission is vested with special powers. It is empowered to issue directives regarding the transfer of state government bureaucrats, officials, and police chiefs.

Meanwhile, prior to the announcement of the state elections, C.V. Ananda Bose resigned from the office of the West Bengal Governor.

R.N. Ravi was appointed as the permanent Governor to succeed Ananda Bose.

Following these administrative reshuffles, Governor Ravi, on Thursday, held discussions with the new Chief Secretary Nariala and Home Secretary Ghosh for the first time.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Interesting timing, right after the EC reshuffled these posts. The Governor becoming active before his office is even set up shows urgency. Let's see if this leads to smoother administration or more friction with the state government. 🤔
R
Rahul R
The Model Code of Conduct is in place, so the EC's power is supreme now. The Governor meeting the new top bureaucrats is standard protocol, but all actions must be within the EC's framework. No overreach should be tolerated.
A
Anjali F
Wishing Governor Ravi all the best. Bengal has its unique challenges. A cooperative relationship between Raj Bhavan and Nabanna is crucial for development, regardless of politics. Hope this is the start of that.
D
David E
Observing from outside, this seems like a routine administrative meeting during a transition. The key will be whether the Governor's role remains constitutional or becomes politically active, especially during polls.
K
Karthik V
With respect, I hope the focus remains on governance and ensuring free & fair elections. The last-minute bureaucratic transfers by the EC were needed, but now all authorities should work impartially. Jai Hind!

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