Governor 'over-active', shouldn't interfere in state's affairs: Partha

Darjeeling/Kolkata: "Trinamool Congress considers the action of Governor Jagdeep Dhankhar as 'over-active' and interfering in all respects of government business and government officers," said state Parliamentary Affairs minister Partha Chatterjee in a statement issued by the party on Tuesday.

Chatterjee's statement came after the Governor expressed his displeasure over the absence of the state Tourism minister Gautam Deb and state Home Secretary Alapan Bandyopadhyay, in a meeting convened by him in Siliguri on Tuesday.

Dhankhar had said in Siliguri: "The lukewarm stand of the state is worrisome. It is not befitting Bengal. The DM might be sick, the minister might have had some preoccupation along with the Police Commissioner. It can happen. The ruling party was absent but the public representatives from the Opposition parties were all present and we had a fruitful discussion."

In the statement, Chatterjee said: "Bengal is a beautiful state. The Governor must visit beautiful places in Bengal and enjoy the hospitality of the state government. This is desirable. What is not desirable is a Constitutional position, unnecessarily becoming over-active, interfering in all aspects of government business and government officers."

Chatterjee maintained that as per the Constitution, the state government is an elected body and so is the Central government. "But the Governor is a nominated post and not an elected one. As per the provision of the Constitution, the jurisdictions have earmarked the role of the state government and the role of the Governor," he added.

Chatterjee urged the Governor "not to misuse the Constitutional jurisdiction and avoid political gimmicks every day," and added: "Our Trinamool government is the people's government and is aware of what to do and what not to do."

Meanwhile, Dhankhar stated that he will be visiting each and every district of the state. "I am not over-active. I am active. I have taken oath to serve the people of Bengal," he added.

When questioned on the panic and alleged deaths surrounding the implementation of NRC in the state, the Governor said that he was not aware of it.

Quizzed on the Jadavpur University incident by media persons, the Governor stated that universities should be independent. "One should not impose their will. Universities should not become the extension of either the government or the Governor House. The reputation and credibility has to be maintained," he added.

He claimed that he had visited the JU campus as a last measure to connect with the students as their Chancellor. "I am happy that they have shown respect to their Chancellor. I have a four-fold approach towards universities. I connect with the V-C, Registrar, Former V-Cs and Registrars, faculty and the students," Dhankhar said.

Meanwhile, later in the day, Trinamool Congress appointed Ranjan Sarkar as the new Darjeeling district president of the party, replacing Goutam Deb, the state Tourism minister.

The decision was taken following a meeting where senior party leaders were present.