Concept of passive Governor is gone; politician Mamata not my cup of tea: Bose

Bose, who was in Delhi to attend the Governors’ Conference, said the Governor is a custodian of the Constitution, guardian of federalism, and “not a rubber stamp”.

Bose, who has had frequent run-ins with the TMC government in the state, also delved into their strained relations. He said that he respects CM Mamata Banerjee as an individual and has professional relations with her but the “politician Mamata Banerjee” is not his cup of tea.

Talking about the Governors’ Conference, Bose called it “transformational” and in line with the vision of the Narendra Modi-led Central government. “In keeping with PM Modi’s concept of transformational India, I would say it was a transformational Governors’ Conference where now we will see there will be a new rhythm for the working of the Governors. A new style, a new grammar, a new chemistry between the elected representatives and Governor,” Bose said in an interview to PTI.

“The Governor’s conference decided, endorsed by President (Droupadi Murmu) and others, that Governors should remain as an effective link… Governors have to get involved in the implementation of the projects and programmes meant for the good of the people,” he said.
“The Governor should be active. The concept of passive Governor has gone… The concept of active Governor is coming in. It is a very delicate exercise,” he said.

He stressed that the Governor, being the custodian of the Constitution in the state, should be ever vigilant so that democracy does not die down. “Democracy should not give way to mobocracy by political interference. That is the role of the Governor… He (Governor) is an umpire in  this process. He is a link between the Centre and the state. He is a custodian of the Indian Constitution. And he is the guardian of federalism in this country. The Governor has a role to play. The Governor is not a rubber stamp,” he said.

Asked about his relationship with Banerjee, Bose said: “Which Mamata Banerjee? There are three Mamata Banerjees in front of me… One is the individual Mamata Banerjee. I have a very good relationship with her. Second is the Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. I have professional relations with her. Third is the politician Mamata Banerjee, that’s not my cup of tea,” he said.

“During polls, she mixed up the issues. The CM merged with the politician, made certain statements. I also became an individual, not the Governor. I sued her for damages, for defamation. That is the complexity of the relationship,” he said. “Otherwise, Mamata Banerjee is my friend. The CM is my colleague and I am not a politician,” he said.