Kolkata: A day after a female contractual employee of Raj Bhavan lodged a police complaint accusing CV Ananda Bose of sexual harassment, the West Bengal Governor slammed those resorting to “character assassination” against him by “engineering filthy narratives.”
He also warned the staff of a “more sinister plot” being hatched in Raj Bhavan, and said he was “waiting for the next grenade and your hidden bullets.”
His tirade seemed to be directed against a “political force”.
Significantly, the Governor banned the entry of state Finance Minister Chandrima Bhattacharya into Raj Bhavan premises hours after she condemned Ananda Bose’s alleged act, based on the woman’s complaint.
Claiming that “truth would triumph,” the Governor on Thursday night also banned entry of police personnel into Raj Bhavan premises under the guise of “conducting unauthorised, illegitimate, sham and motivated investigation to placate political bosses during elections.”
On Friday, the Bengal Governor released a strongly-worded audio message.
“Dear members of the Raj Bhavan staff.. I welcome all generous allegations and the frequent innuendos passed on me by a political force. I understand there is more in the offing. But one thing is clear. None of the absurd dramas is going to deter me from a determined effort to expose corruption and curb violence. Character assassination is the last resort of a failing malevolence. Those who engineer these filthy narratives have totally moribund character,” he said.
“Now I have information which is very important. Now I have information, my friends, that a more sinister plot has been hatched in the Raj Bhavan. We know the characters responsible for this. Beware.”
“I will not be surprised if I am blamed for the Bengal famine in 1943 or the infamous Great Calcutta Killings of 1946. That is the nature of the political forces working in the state. Please take it from me. I did not come to Bengal for rest and relaxation. I did not come to Bengal to walk on level ground.. I know Bengal is an uphill task. I am scaling the mountain. People’s love drives me and motivates me,” he added.
“I am not surprised. I was briefed about what I can expect in Bengal by certain political parties. I have braved many storms. I tell the political party that is plotting against me, this is no storm. This is a storm in a teacup. Do not be surprised if you realize I am the storm. At least now the politico should realize that I would like to be the captain of the storm, not captain of the calm…,” the governor said.
“Bring out all weapons from your armoury, use them against me. I am willing. I am prepared. Sorry, my detractors, I have learned the lesson to fight not flight. Waiting for the next grenade and your hidden bullets. Yes with great expectations. Please fire, I am willing to receive it,” Ananda Bose added.
He concluded by assuring his “brothers are sisters of Bengal” that he will continue the fight for their dignity and respect.
