Kolkata: West Bengal governor Jagdeep Dhankar has again been refused by the Mamata Banerjee government, a helicopter for his travel to a district. This was the second time his request was not accepted within a week amid his clash with the ruling party.
On Wednesday, Mr Dhankar will attend a function on a request by CPI(M) MLA of Domkal Anisur Rahaman at Domkal Girls’ College in Murshidabad, the district where he had to travel 600 km by road on November 15 to attend an event at a college in Farakkha after he was denied a chopper, much to his anguish despite his plea.
On Tuesday, the Raj Bhavan stated, “There was a request made to the state government to provide helicopter for this visit, which involves a travel of about 500 kms either way. However, the response from the state government has been that the helicopter would not be available and in that situation, the governor will be visiting the place by road.”
The Trinamul party is yet to react. The Raj Bhavan informed that Mr Dhankar would be leaving by road at 6 am on Wednesday to attend a function at Domkal Girls’ College where he will inaugurate the newly constructed college building. “The invitation for that was extended by former minister and present legislator Shri Anisur Rahman,” it said.
Incidentally, the chief minister will also visit the same district, where she will chair an administrative review meeting and address a rally on Wednesday. On Tuesday, Mr Rahaman, who was a minister during the Left Front rule, said, “The governor is the constitutional head in the state. I may oppose him.”
He added, “But to abolish the post, the Constitution has to be amended. The governor has to be respected for his post until the post is abolished amending the Constitution.” The governor will reach Krishnanagar Circuit House at 9 am on way to Domkal. He will inaugurate the event from 12.30 pm and will stay there till 1.30 pm. While returning from Domkal, Mr Dhankhar will be make a halt at Ranaghat sub divisional officer’s guest house at 4.45 pm.
