Dhankhar responds to 'parallel administration' claims, says he won't be a 'tourist Governor'

Darjeeling: Responding to the allegation of Trinamool MPs that he is running a parallel government in Bengal, Governor Jagdeep Dhankhar, who was in Siliguri on Monday, stated that he is working within the framework of the Indian Constitution.

Raising the issue of the Governor in Rajya Sabha on Monday, Trinamool MP Sukhendu Sekhar Roy stated that Dhankhar is working on the behest of the Centre, running a parallel administration in the state. He further stated that the Governor could indulge in politics if he wished to, but it should not be done from within the walls of the Raj Bhawan.

Trinamool MP Sudip Bandopadhyay had earlier met the Union Home minister and stated that the Governor's actions were disturbing the federal cooperative system of the country.

Dhankhar, who was on a one-day visit of Siliguri, stated: "It is a completely wrong belief. As per the oath I have sworn by I will protect and work as per the Indian Constitution. I will also serve the people of Bengal. For this I need to visit every corner of Bengal. I will do so. I do not need anybody's permission to do so."

Addressing media persons in Siliguri on Monday, the Governor said: "If they have called me an agent of the Centre, the Constitution has bestowed that role to the Governor. I am the bridge between the Centre and the state."

He stated that the Chief Minister has never written to him stating that he is exceeding his powers. "Rather, the Constitution says that the state government has to apprise the Governor of important issues of the state. The cyclone Bulbul was one such issue. I hope the Chief Minister finds time to apprise me on Bulbul," he added.

The Governor said that he always apprises the district administration of his tour plans as the government needs to make the necessary arrangements.

"On November 22, I will be visiting the girls' college in Murshidabad. I have asked the government for a helicopter. If they don't provide a chopper, I will go by road," stated Dhankhar. The Governor was in Siliguri to inaugurate a national-level archery competition of Central forces organised by the Sashastra Seema Bal at the Siliguri Frontier Head Quarters in Ranidanga.

After the inauguration ceremony, he addressed media persons at the State Guest House in Siliguri, before departing for Kolkata. "I will work fearlessly as per the Constitution and won't be a tourist Governor," he added.