Kolkata: West Bengal governor Jagdeep Dhankhar on Thursday complained of “shame to democratic history of the country” after he found the main entrance of the state Assembly, adjourned for two days due to lack of his approval to some bills, locked during his visit despite his prior announcement and intimation from the Raj Bhavan. Mr Dhankhar along with his security personnel was allowed by the Assembly staff to enter the through another gate later.
Referring to him, chief minister Mamata Banerjee complained of a “parallel administration” being run in the state ignoring her rule. Failing to enter the Assembly in first attempt, Mr Dhankhar said,” Not anyone may be here. But the gate should not be locked. This is a history, which puts us to shame. This is most undemocratic. We need to engage into soul searching. And I would urge to everyone to make comments.”
He added, “I will write to the Honourable Speaker that this should not have happened. This is neither in consonance of parliamentary practice nor befitting to the office of the governor. This is equally belittling to the office of Speaker. The Lynching Bill was passed. The entire opposition made a representation to me in writing. The leader of the Opposition, the leader of the Left parties, senior MLAs said: What is happening, you are the governor? How can you overlook it? I went through the representation.”
The governor claimed, “I was surprised. The bill, which I had directed to be introduced, was not introduced. On the same day, I sent a question to give a status report about it. And the reply comes that a mistake has taken place. I said find out the mistakes that have taken place and by whom? One says another thing while another says something else. I get everything in writing. Ultimately, I had to say that if I have to find out the mistake, it will be my job, then I said give me proceedings of the Assembly.”
He also alleged, “An answer came from the secretary of the Assembly: The proceedings are not finalised. I put it in the order sheet: As and when the finalised proceedings come, this be put before me on the same day. I have passed seven orders therein. Four secretaries have seen me. Each of them has gone thoroughly disarmed.”
Taking a dig at the governor Ms Banerjee said, “We only need permission to introduce the bill for discussion in the House. So we are facing that. We will fight it out. Let us fight the battle.”
