Introduction
In a dramatic turn of events, West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose has sent confidential letters to both the state government and the Centre, further escalating the ongoing conflict between the Raj Bhavan and the state’s Education Minister, Bratya Basu. The governor’s warning of “bigger action” at midnight has left the political landscape in West Bengal on edge.
The clash between Governor Bose and Education Minister Basu erupted when the latter accused the former of attempting to “destroy” the higher education system in the state and of overseeing a “puppet regime” within the universities. This war of words has brought to light underlying tensions related to the appointment of interim vice-chancellors in state-run universities.
As the clock approached midnight, a Raj Bhavan official revealed that Governor Bose had signed two confidential sealed letters. One of these letters was addressed to the state secretariat, Nabanna, while the other was destined for the central government in Delhi. The contents of these letters remain undisclosed, leaving many to speculate on their significance.
“The governor signed two confidential letters tonight, one meant for Nabanna and the other for Delhi,” the official stated cryptically. “You will come to know the content of the letters later,” the official added, hinting at the possibility that they may pertain to the recent verbal sparring between the governor and the state government.
Notably, Governor Bose signed these letters following a meeting with the state’s chief secretary, HK Dwivedi, at Raj Bhavan. However, neither party disclosed the agenda or outcome of the meeting.
Earlier in the day, Governor Bose had issued a cryptic warning, foreshadowing a significant action to take place at midnight. “Wait for the stroke of midnight today. You will see what is the action,” he told reporters. In response, Minister Basu, without directly naming the governor, referred to him as the “new vampire in town” and cautioned the public to “beware of him.”
The ongoing conflict stems from disagreements over the appointment of interim vice-chancellors in state-run universities. Minister Basu accused the governor, who also serves as the chancellor of these universities, of attempting to undermine the higher education system by appointing individuals according to his personal preferences, thus, compromising the autonomy of these institutions.
The West Bengal Educationists’ Forum condemned Governor Bose’s mention of a “midnight action” as “threats” and expressed concern over the situation. In a statement, the forum criticized the governor for resorting to threats against educationists and officials within the state’s higher education department.
Governor Bose’s recent appointment of interim vice-chancellors for several universities, including prestigious institutions like Presidency University, MAKAUT, and the University of Burdwan, has intensified the ongoing power struggle between the Raj Bhavan and the state administration. Sources indicate that interim vice-chancellors for eight additional universities have also been selected, with appointment letters expected to be issued soon.
Conclusion
The situation continues to evolve, leaving the fate of higher education in West Bengal hanging in the balance as political tensions simmer in the state.
