Kolkata: Following a bitter relationship between the state government and the Raj Bhavan during the tenure of Jagdeep Dhakhar, Governor CV Ananda Bose seems to have ushered in an era of cooperation and has successfully donned the hat of an arbitrator for smooth functioning of the state government towards the fulfilment of the people’s needs.
The evidence of being an efficient arbitrator and solution provider lies in the way in which CV Ananda Bose sought to solve the complex problems visiting state government university administration.
In a bid to avoid a breakdown in administration, the governor prudently asked all Vice-Chancellors (V-C) to resign and then take charge as caretaker V-C for a few months. Surprisingly, the V-Cs who had even refused to turn up for a meeting called by Dhankhar, readily agreed to resign at Bose’s order.
Recently, state education minister Bratya Basu referred to the incumbent governor as an “acharya” (scholar).
Recently, the Governor appealed to the state government employees to call off the hunger strike and invited them for discussion. He said problems can become complex but there is an easier solution. “The precious lives of our brothers matter most. To the hunger strikers, please call off the fast,” he requested.
Sources said that Bose’s skills as a negotiator were mostly honed during his time as Principal Secretary, Labour, Kerala.
“It is now a well-known secret that for the last eight years the Governor has been working from behind the curtain to establish rapport between various communities and solving problems in a confidential manner – problems both internal and external,” said the source.
Further, one other vital characteristic of the present Governor is his strong belief in the principles of federalism.
While Dhankhar was often referred to as a “stooge” of the BJP-led Central government by the leaders of the ruling party and state government, Bose, having led many cooperative federations, emerged as a Governor who acts as an effective bridge between the Central and state governments.
Neither has he minced words while making his stance clear which finds evidence in his statements such as, “zero tolerance on corruption”, “Violence has no place in elections”, “Governor will not be a ‘mute witness’ when law and order breaks down”, “Force is no arbiter”, “There is a solution for every problem”, “Raj Bhavan should be a no-conflict zone” etc.
Bose has also earned a reputation for his austerity measures. Sources said he takes particular care to see that Raj Bhavan funds are not spent lavishly.
The amount spent by Raj Bhavan to provide accommodation to the Governor’s relatives and friends who came from Kerala for his swearing-in ceremony was reimbursed from the Governor’s personal fund. This is in stark contrast to the reputation of his predecessor who was accused by the state government of lavishly spending funds.
The state government had rejected Raj Bhavan’s request seeking additional funds of Rs 53.5 lakh to meet everyday expenses during Dhankhar’s time.
It is learnt that though food is free for the Governor and his family, Bose is making a token payment of 10,000 per month while his first month’s salary in full, and part of the second month’s salary, were given to the students’ community by way of awards.
Although the state government’s aircraft can be used by the Governor, and the Chief Minister persuaded him to use it, Bose has not used it except once when he travelled to Gangasagar Mela.
He even visited a government hospital to seek medical aid for a dental problem.
Additionally, some of his other qualities that received praise include his concern for the farmers.
During his visit to the University of Burdwan, the Governor decided to go to the field and talk to the farmers. After listening to them, he took an op-spot decision to send a group of farmers to Chennai and other places where new farming practices have been successfully implemented.
As for his humane qualities, he sanctioned financial assistance for acid victims who came to meet him while field visits of the Governor to various districts had emerged as a forum for the unknown, neglected and marginalised sections of society, to meet the Governor in person and express their grievances.