BH CORRESPONDENT, Kolkata: West Bengal Governor Jagdeep Dhankar backed off from adding his own bits to the customary speech at the beginning of the Budget session of the Assembly that was prepared by the Cabinet of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. In the process another confrontation with the state government was averted at the last moment.
In the end, Governor Dhankar read out the speech prepared by the state government, showering praises on Mamata Banerjee for maintaining law and order in the state,
Earlier, the Governor had threatened to add his own reading of the law and order in the state that could have created a constitutional crisis. The Governor has had a running battle with the state government and he had said on many occasions that there was a complete breakdown of law and order in the state. The Governor has been facing a virtual boycott by the Mamata regime.
On Friday, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee welcomed Dhankar as he arrived at the Assembly to deliver his customary speech. In it, the Governor mentioned state schemes like Kanyashree and Swasthyashree that he said was an instant hit with the people.
The Governor in his speech also referred to the state government’s stand on CAA and NPR. He gave details of how the central government was trying to gag Opposition voices that have been saying that the Modi regime was trying to divide the nation in the name of CAA. The Governor urged the Centre to withdraw CAA and expressed his condolence to the families of protestors who have died during the anti-CAA agitation.
Later, the Governor tweeted: “I delivered the address in the high traditions of the Constitution. I do hope all will pay due obeisance to the Constitution. This is the only way to serve the people and enhance democratic values. I urge those in authority to desist from methodology not sanctified by the Constitution.”
I delivered the address in the high traditions of constitution. I do hope all will pay due obeisance to the constitution. This is the only way to serve the people and enhance democratic values. I urge those in authority to desist from methodology not sanctified by constitution.
— Jagdeep Dhankhar (@jdhankhar1) February 7, 2020
The Governor after finishing his speech went to the Speaker’s chamber where he met Chief Minister also.