Sunday, 02 June 2024
Sunday, 02 June 2024
The Trinamul Congress demonstrated near Raj Bhavan in Calcutta over the allegation of molestation against West Bengal Governor C V Ananda Bose, demanding his resignation. The protestors, who included members of the TMC affiliated West Bengal College and University Professors Association (WBCUPA), held placards and shouted slogans, as the police stopped them from advancing towards the Governor's House.
"It is shameful that he is still sticking to the chair when more than one woman, including a female staff of Raj Bhavan, levelled serious charges against him," a WBCUPA office-bearer said. In a police complaint, a woman contractual employee of Raj Bhavan last week accused the governor of molesting her.
Earlier this week, the police also submitted a report to the state secretariat about the complaint filed by a classical dancer that Bose had sexually harassed her at a posh hotel in New Delhi in 2023. Former state West Bengal Commission for Protection of Child Rights Chairperson and film-maker Sudeshna Roy, who also walked in the rally, said "I am here to express solidarity with the women."
Article 361(2) of the Constitution, a criminal case cannot be initiated against the President and Governor in a court of law. The governor has rejected the charges saying these were all politically motivated since he had been voicing grievances of the people in Bengal.
West Bengal Women and Child Development Minister Shashi Panja had said it is "shameful" that the Governor has maligned his post and has used it to "torture a woman". The West Bengal Governor and the TMC government have shared an acrimonious relationship since he assumed office in November 2022 and had several run-ins on various issues.
Security personnel stand guard during Trinamul Congress Education Wing's protest against West Bengal Governor C V Ananda Bose over molestation allegations, in Calcutta.
