'Why Were They Stopped?': Bengal Governor Questions CM Mamata Over Police Blocking Post-Poll Violence 'Victims' From Raj Bhavan

The police on Thursday prevented BJP members and Leader of the Opposition in the assembly Suvendu Adhikari and the alleged victims of post-poll violence from entering the Raj Bhavan to meet Bose.

West Bengal Governor C.V. Ananda Bose on Friday wrote to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, seeking an explanation for why the police stopped "victims" of post-poll violence from entering the Raj Bhavan despite his office issuing the necessary permissions. Bose also visited Maheshwari Bhawan in Burrabazar and met people affected by violence in the state after the Lok Sabha polls. The BJP has alleged post-poll violence by the TMC, which the state's ruling party has denied. 

"The governor had issued written permission to allow the delegation, including Suvendu Adhikari and the victims of the post-poll violence, to enter the Raj Bhavan and meet him. In spite of that, the police did not allow them to enter. The governor today issued constitutional directives to the CM, wanting to know why they were stopped," and official was quoted as saying by news agency PTI. 

 During the visit, Bose interacted with around 150 people staying at Maheshwari Bhawan and took details of their complaints. "I have heard the victims. That is one version of the story. As a governor, I would like to be fair before making any comments. I have sought a report. After listening to what the government has to say, I will give you my considered opinion," the governor told reporters. 

The police on Thursday prevented BJP members and Leader of the Opposition in the assembly Suvendu Adhikari and the alleged victims of post-poll violence from entering the Raj Bhavan to meet Bose, citing Section 144 of the CrPC, which was in force outside the Governor House. 

In his communication to Banerjee, Bose also referred to constitutional norms requiring Chief Minister to inform governors about all decisions of the council of ministers relating to the administration of state affairs and proposals for legislation. 

Calcutta High Court Permits Visit To Raj Bhavan With Govrnor's Permission

The Calcutta High Cour on Friday questioned whether the West Bengal governor was under "house arrest" and said that Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari could visit the Raj Bhavan along with alleged victims of post-poll violence to meet C.V. Ananda Bose if his office granted permission. 

Adhikari and another person had moved the court, claiming that despite having written permission, police stopped them from entering the Raj Bhavan on Thursday.