Kolkata – In a statement made on Thursday, West Bengal’s Governor, C.V. Ananda Bose, warned that the central government would not stay silent if communal tensions were fanned in the state.
The remark came after Trinamool Congress MLA Humayun Kabir sparked controversy with a claim that a Babri Masjid could be built in Murshidabad, a statement that earned him a suspension from the party.
During an exclusive interview with LatestNewsX, Governor Bose emphasized that no one would be permitted to turn Murshidabad into a “school of scandal.”
“Reports which I have received from the field and from the intelligence agencies, and also from the opinion leaders, point to the part that somebody is deliberately trying to turn Murshidabad into a school of scandal. This will not be allowed,” he said.
Bose clarified that the issue was not about erecting a place of worship but about stopping any act that could inflame communal sentiment.
He reiterated, “It is not a question of building a place of worship. If anyone attempts to inflame communal passions, the government, the state, and the Constitution will not remain idle or a mute spectator. Nobody will be allowed to take the law into their own hands. Strong, effective, and proactive action will be taken against those who violate the law,” when asked by LatestNewsX.
When reporters inquired whether the controversial MLA from Bharatpur ought to be taken into preventive custody for his comments, the Governor said the matter was for the state government to decide.
“That is a decision which the government has to take. I leave it to them. Under the Constitution of India, the duty of the state government is to maintain law and order. What is to be done, including the preventive arrest if they consider it fit, should be done,” Bose said.
Asked about demographic imbalance in Bengal, he replied, “The data speaks for itself. We can arrive at our own conclusion. At this point, I don’t want to comment on that question. Demographic imbalance is taking place, and it is no secret.” He added that the figures were clear enough for the public to draw their own conclusions and preferred to hold back further discussion for now.
Speaking after visiting several border districts, the Governor said, “Our border areas are quiet. Our BSF and the bravehearts of these organisations can guard our borders very well. I did not find any reason not to trust them. They are doing their duty very well. The Indian government is firm. This is a mature nation and a mature democracy. We know what to do, when to do, and how to do.”
The Election Commission recently urged the state to protect Booth Level Officers from harassment during its ongoing Special Intensive Revision drive. On the issue, Governor Bose noted, “This is a question which is already under consideration of the Election Commission of India and the state government. Let them sort it out. The Election Commission is strong and has proved to have a balanced approach in a democracy. Dissension and differences of opinion are bound to take place. But in our Constitution, adequate sections are there to take care of such situations. I am sure the Election Commission of India will try to find a solution to these problems. Without the involvement of the state government, no one can maintain law and order under the Constitution of India. It is the bounden duty of the respective state governments to see that all necessary support is given to the Election Commission to ensure free and fair elections in the country.”
When pressed about whether the forthcoming West Bengal polls would be peaceful, the Governor responded, “The question is not whether there will be a peaceful election. There should be a peaceful election. Violence and corruption are two cancerous growths on the body politic of Bengal. This has to be contained and nipped in the bud itself. Whatever the provisions are in the Constitution of India, and rule of law will be invoked to ensure that the coming election in Bengal will be without violence and without corruption.”
Reflecting on the state’s current situation, Bose said, “What Bengal thinks today, India thinks tomorrow. That Bengal is not there anymore. A transformation is required in Bengal. That is what we are trying to do. We will succeed in that.”
When asked if he was drawing a comparison between Bengal and Kerala, he said, “I belong to Kerala, but I am working in Bengal. I can only compare the two states from a positive point of view. Both have enlightened people. Both Kerala and Bengal have rich culture, tradition, and heritage. As Governor, I am trying to foster this by organising the Bengal‑Kerala culture trail and cultural programmes. Politics is not my cup of tea.”
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