Daijiworld Media Network - West Bengal

West Bengal, May 3: In response to allegations of sexual harassment levelled against West Bengal governor C V Ananda Bose, a series of unprecedented measures have been taken, resulting in a political uproar across the state. The governor, in an order issued on May 2, imposed a ban on the entry of both police personnel and minister of state for finance, Chandrima Bhattacharya, into the Raj Bhavan premises.

The order, citing reasons of ‘defamation and anti-constitutional media statements’, explicitly prohibits Minister Chandrima Bhattacharya's access to Raj Bhavan locations in Kolkata, Darjeeling, and Barrackpore. Additionally, the governor has declared his refusal to partake in any events attended by the Minister and has sought legal counsel from the attorney general of India regarding potential legal actions against her.

These actions come on the heels of a sexual harassment complaint filed by a Raj Bhavan employee at the Hare Street police station in Kolkata, alleging misconduct by governor Ananda Bose. In a further escalation, the governor has also prohibited the entry of police personnel into Raj Bhavan, accusing them of conducting unauthorized and politically motivated investigations during elections.

The situation has sparked sharp reactions from both sides of the political spectrum. Minister Chandrima Bhattacharya, speaking ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the state, condemned the incident, highlighting the irony of the Governor's purported commitment to creating a 'peace room' while allegedly insulting women.

Responding to the allegations, governor Ananda Bose asserted his determination not to be swayed by what he termed ‘engineered narratives’. He maintained his stance against corruption and violence in West Bengal, expressing confidence in the triumph of truth.