Bengal Governor Issues 24-Hour Ultimatum to Mamata Banerjee Following BJP MP Attack: Constitutional Action Threatened

New Delhi:

West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose has issued a 24-hour ultimatum to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee following the violent assault on BJP MP Khagen Murmu and MLA Sankar Ghosh.

In an interview with NDTV's Aishvarya Jain, Bose demanded immediate restoration of law and order, threatening possible constitutional action if his demands aren't met. This marks yet another political confrontation between the ruling Trinamool Congress and the opposition BJP ahead of next year's elections.

The Governor visited the injured politicians at a Siliguri hospital, where doctors indicated MP Murmu might need surgery for facial injuries, including a fractured orbital bone. Bose confirmed he has submitted a report regarding Bengal's deteriorating law and order situation to President Droupadi Murmu.

The attack on Murmu, a prominent tribal leader, and Ghosh occurred while they were distributing relief supplies in flood-affected Nagrakata in Jalpaiguri district.

"Bengal is currently experiencing a bizarre situation where people have been brutally attacked," Bose told NDTV, adding, "I have strongly advised the state to apprehend the perpetrators within 24 hours." He warned the Banerjee administration of "constitutional consequences" should they fail to comply.

The Governor delivered scathing criticism of Bengal's police force and suggested a breakdown in administrative functioning. "This near-anarchic situation cannot continue. Police are meant to protect citizens, but in Bengal, law and order is being strangulated," he asserted.

Expressing concern for public safety, Bose added, "Bengal deserves better policing. Citizens are living in fear of criminals. This situation must end. Strict action is necessary to restore normalcy."

Escalating his confrontation with the state executive, Bose confirmed submitting his observations to the President while maintaining confidentiality about the report's specific contents. "Based on my observations, I have submitted a report to the President of India," he stated.

Regarding potential interventions, Bose alluded to constitutional mechanisms for restoring order: "Various states have seen constitutional options invoked to maintain law and order. Similar options could be explored for Bengal." These remarks are widely interpreted as references to possible recommendation of President's Rule under Article 356 or invocation of Article 355, which outlines the federal government's responsibility to protect states from internal disturbances.

When questioned about his relationship with Chief Minister Banerjee, Bose distinguished between personal rapport and constitutional duties. "I maintain excellent relations with the Chief Minister. Communication channels remain open. However, personal relations and constitutional obligations are separate matters," he explained.

Addressing allegations of political conspiracy surrounding the attacks, he commented, "Many have suggested conspiracy theories to me, but it's the police's responsibility to investigate how BJP representatives came to be attacked."

The Governor concluded by placing responsibility with the state government: "Law and order is a state subject. The state government must take appropriate action. If they require central forces' assistance, they should communicate that to the central government."