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Mamata's "Bengal Loves Those Who Love Bengal" Message to New Governor

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee welcomed new Governor R.N. Ravi with a shawl and a pointed message about the state's character. She stated that "Bengal loves those who love Bengal," which observers see as a call for a harmonious relationship. This message is significant given the history of friction between the state government and previous Governors, Jagdeep Dhankhar and C.V. Ananda Bose. R.N. Ravi, a former IB officer and Tamil Nadu Governor, was sworn in as the 22nd Governor of West Bengal.

Key Points: Mamata's Message to New Bengal Governor R.N. Ravi

  • Mamata's subtle message to new Governor
  • Call for cordial state-centre relations
  • Reference to past tussles with Governor's House
  • R.N. Ravi succeeds C.V. Ananda Bose
2 min read

'Bengal loves those who love Bengal': Mamata Banerjee's message to new Governor

CM Mamata Banerjee tells new Governor R.N. Ravi "Bengal loves those who love Bengal," hinting at expectations for a cordial relationship.

"Bengal loves those who love Bengal. - Mamata Banerjee"

Kolkata, March 12

With the former Intelligence Bureau top officer and the former Governor of Tamil Nadu, R.N. Ravi, taking oath as the 22nd Governor of West Bengal on Thursday, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's first message to him during the interaction after the oath ceremony was that 'Bengal loves those who love Bengal'.

After the oath ceremony was over, the Chief Minister welcomed the new Governor by wrapping a piece of the cloak around his neck. During that interaction, the Chief Minister gave that subtle message to Ravi.

"Bengal and Bengalis respect people from all linguistic backgrounds. Everyone lives together peacefully in Bengal. But the main thing is that Bengal loves those who love Bengal. This is a characteristic of the Bengali people," the Chief Minister told the Governor.

"It is true that West Bengal is the intellectual and cultural capital of India," the Governor was heard replying to the Chief Minister.

Political observers feel that through this statement, "Bengal loves those who love Bengal", the Chief Minister has given a subtle message to the new Governor.

"That message is that a cordial relationship between the State Secretariat and the Governor's House will only be possible if there is no action on the part of the latter that might be against the interest of the state, or rather the state government. The message is significant considering the long history of tussle between the Governor's House and the State Secretariat during the current Trinamool Congress regime that started during the tenure of Jagdeep Dhankhar, who later became the Vice President of India and continued during the tenure of Ravi's predecessor, C.V. Ananda Bose," said a city-based political observer.

Ravi succeeds C.V. Ananda Bose, who suddenly resigned from the chair on the evening of March 5, and on the same evening, Ravi's name was announced as his successor. Ravi arrived in Kolkata on Wednesday, and Bose left the city for his hometown in Kerala.

Ravi is the second IB super-cop to be sworn in as a West Bengal Governor in the last one and a half decades. Before the crucial Assembly elections in West Bengal in 2011, which marked the end of the 34-year-long Left Front regime and the beginning of the Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress command, the former IB chief and also the former National Security Adviser (NSA), M.K. Narayanan, was sworn in as the then Governor.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

A
Arjun K
"Bengal loves those who love Bengal" – such a powerful statement that captures the essence of our state. We are welcoming but also fiercely proud. The Governor's reply acknowledging Bengal as the intellectual capital was a good start. Let's hope the relationship remains constructive.
R
Rohit P
Frankly, this feels like political theatre. The message is less of a welcome and more of a warning wrapped in shawl. The Governor's post has become too politicized. We need someone who focuses on constitutional duties, not political games.
S
Sarah B
Interesting to see another former IB officer as Governor. Hope Mr. Ravi uses his experience to ensure stability and security, which is what the state truly needs. The cultural respect is important, but so is governance without constant conflict.
M
Meera T
As a Bengali living outside the state, this makes me proud. Didi is absolutely right. We have a rich history of welcoming everyone—from Tagore's visitors to refugees. But loyalty to the soil is paramount. A good first step for the new Governor.
V
Vikram M
The sudden change of Governors is itself questionable. Why did Bose resign so abruptly? The focus should be on why there's always a "tussle". Maybe the problem isn't just the Governors. Hoping for less drama and more work from both sides now.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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