West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose has embarked on a two-day visit to the violence-hit district of Murshidabad, asserting his resolve to restore peace “at any cost.” The visit, which began Friday, comes amid opposition from the Mamata Banerjee-led state government, which had requested the Governor to defer the trip.
Speaking from Sealdah station before departure, the Governor said, “I want to go to Murshidabad. What transpired there is shocking. Such instances should never have happened. I want a reality check on the ground. Peace must be restored – and it will be, at any cost.”
Bose’s visit follows escalating unrest in Murshidabad, which recently saw communal clashes and violent protests against the Waqf Act. The Calcutta High Court, during a hearing on Thursday, considered a plea seeking the extension of central paramilitary forces in the region and the handover of the probe to the National Investigation Agency (NIA). The state government, in its report to the court, acknowledged the surge in violence, including attacks on police and civilians with deadly weapons.
The Governor said he has been in regular communication with central authorities and will decide whether to submit a report to the Ministry of Home Affairs after completing his visit. “This is the darkest hour before dawn,” he remarked. “Once I am convinced that peace has been restored, I will be the happiest person and prepare my report accordingly.”
When questioned about the possibility of recommending President’s Rule in the state, the Governor remained guarded. “As Governor, I should be circumspect,” he said. “I don't want to comment on President’s Rule. It is Mamata Banerjee’s opinion that I should not go. But I want to. I have my own way of functioning and I want to assess the situation for myself.”
Bose’s tour will begin in Malda, where he is scheduled to meet those displaced by the recent communal unrest. He will then proceed to Murshidabad, particularly the worst-affected areas, and is expected to return by Friday night or Saturday morning.
