Kolkata, Oct 14: West Bengal Governor C.V. Ananda Bose has stated that no single political party can be solely blamed for political violence in the state, emphasizing that the problem stems from a deep-rooted historical legacy. Speaking on The Statesman Talk podcast, Governor Bose called for collective action from all stakeholders citizens, civil society, media, ruling and opposition parties, and the government to address the challenges of violence and corruption in Bengal.
“Instead of the blame game, we should be forward-looking. There should be concerted action by all stakeholders the silent majority, civil society, the media, political parties, and primarily the government in power,” he said.
Describing violence and corruption as “cancers eating at the body politic of Bengal,” Bose traced their roots to historical events, including the 1946 Direct Action that led to thousands of deaths in Kolkata. He warned about the prevalence of “menu-driven violence”, where hired thugs carry out attacks during elections for political purposes.
Governor Bose cautioned against such violence ahead of next year’s elections, stressing the need for democratic values and peaceful polling. “I want Bengal to be violence-free, corruption-free. This is not an impossible task. I promised the people that I’ll work at my level best for that. That is not a promise, it’s a commitment,” he said.
Reflecting on his tenure since assuming office on November 23, 2022, Bose shared his vision for a “regenerated Bengal,” quoting Rabindranath Tagore: “Where the mind is without fear and the head is held high.” He also highlighted the importance of sustainable development and disaster preparedness, drawing on his experiences in flood-affected regions of North Bengal.
Comparing Bengal with his home state of Kerala, the Governor noted cultural similarities, including a capacity for enlightenment, debate, and strong attachment to culture, underscoring the potential for social progress in the state.