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‘We are a federal entity’: Bengal Governor urges Centre-state coordination to resolve border fencing ‘hitch’ in state
Governor C V Ananda Bose’s remarks came in the backdrop of Union Home Minister Amit Shah alleging that the West Bengal government had consistently refused to provide land required for border fencing
West Bengal Governor C V Ananda Bose (Express photo/ Partha Paul)
Amid a growing political row over alleged border infiltration and “stalled” fencing projects, West Bengal Governor C V Ananda Bose on Tuesday said India was “strong enough” to resolve internal hitches through federal cooperation, and urged coordination between the Centre and the state.
Speaking on the sidelines of the Special Investiture Ceremony 2025, hosted by the Headquarters of the South Bengal Frontier of the Border Security Force (BSF), the Governor referred to the long-standing “land problem” that has delayed completion of border infrastructure in the state.
The Governor’s remarks came in the backdrop of sharp criticism by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who alleged that the West Bengal government had consistently refused to provide land required for border fencing. During a press conference in Kolkata earlier on Tuesday, Shah said that despite allegedly writing seven letters to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and multiple visits by the Union Home Secretary, fencing work remained “stalled” in Bengal while progressing in other states.
However, Governor Bose struck an optimistic note on the federal structure. “Wherever there is a problem, there is also a solution. Our country is strong enough; solutions will be found,” Bose said. “We are a federal entity. The state has certain responsibilities and the Centre has certain duties. Both will work together. If there is any hitch, we will certainly sort it out.”
Even as the political debate over land acquisition continues, the Governor said the BSF remains focused on its core mandate. He dismissed suggestions that political friction should affect the functioning of forces on the ground or relations with neighbouring countries.
“BSF knows how to execute its duties,” Bose said. “What is happening in politics is not to be looked at by the BSF. BSF’s work is to guard the borders.”
Reassuring the public on national security, he said, “India is strong. India is great. India knows how to guard its people, life and property. Nothing is going to be a threat to India. India is a self-reliant country,” Bose told The Indian Express.
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The ceremony honoured retired BSF personnel with the President’s Medal for Meritorious Service. Expressing pride in the force, the Governor said the event went beyond a formal ritual.
“The nation is proud of the brave hearts who guard our borders. They are doing an excellent job. The entire nation is thankful to them,” he said. “I feel extremely proud and feel like an achiever. Today is a day where people should feel blessed. This is not just a day to give medals.”
The Governor also briefly responded to a question on the alleged harassment of Special Roll Observer C Murugan at a hearing centre in South 24 Parganas district. He said, “India must see that the SIR process is completed in the most proper and peaceful manner.”
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