Kolkata:

West Bengal Governor Ananda Bose, facing a backlash over reports that he unveiled his own statue in Kolkata last week, has put out a denial.

In a clarification on X, the Governor said that the statue was only “presented to him” at the event.

“In some media reports, it has come out that HG (Honourable Governor) has ‘unveiled his own statue’ at Raj Bhavan. The fact is as follows: Many artists submit their artistic creations to HG. Many painters made HG’s portraits and presented to him. Similarly, a creative sculptor had created a sculpture of HG and presented to HG,” the Kolkata Raj Bhavan said.

“This has been unfortunately been described as unveiling his own statue,” the post added.

In some media reports it has come out that HG has ‘unveiled his own statue’ at Raj Bhavan on 23.11.2024.

The fact is as follows:

Many artists submit their artistic creations to HG. Many painters made HG’s portraits and presented to him. Similarly a creative sculptor had…

— Raj Bhavan Media Cell (@BengalGovernor) November 24, 2024

The statue was made by sculptor Partha Saha. It was unveiled at the Indian Museum in Kolkata on November 23.

In tweets, Indian Museum said the bust was “unveiled by His Excellency himself”

“In alignment with HE’s vision to foster creativity and cultural appreciation, we proudly hosted the unveiling of a bust of the Dr. C. V. Ananda Bose, Hon’ble Governor of West Bengal. Sculpted by the talented Shri Partha Saha of the Indian Museum, was unveiled by H.E. himself,” said one tweet.

On November 23, 2024, Indian Museum embraced the spirit of #ApnaBharatJagtaBengal on the twenty-third day of our month-long celebration, to mark the commencement of Dr. C. V. Ananda Bose, the Hon’ble Governor of West Bengal’s third-year in office, as visionary leader of state. pic.twitter.com/qNg7eGhu6Q

— Indian Museum (@IndianMuseumKol) November 23, 2024

The intricately crafted bust serves as a tribute to His Excellency’s contributions and his unwavering commitment to promoting art and heritage. This initiative underscores the museum’s dedication to preserving and celebrating excellence in the creative arts. pic.twitter.com/nIu7L6N5Ml

— Indian Museum (@IndianMuseumKol) November 23, 2024

In the photos shared by the Indian Museum, Mr Bose can be seen standing next to his bust. 

The Governor was slammed by many and accused of having an “inflated sense of self-importance”. Some opposition leaders from the Trinamool Congress (TMC) also reportedly accused Mr Bose of craving “publicity”.

“Post independence India never seen such preposterous event. One person appointed to a constitutional post is acting like a Roman Emperor,” TMC leader Jay Prakash Majumdar wrote on X.

 Some media reports later claimed that Mr Bose was attending an inaugural event of a painting exhibition inside the Raj Bhavan when the statue was presented to him.

Kolkata:

West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose has issued a directive to all staff members of Raj Bhavan in Kolkata, instructing them to disregard any communication from the state police regarding the recent sexual harassment complaint filed against him by a temporary staffer.

The directive, shared on the official handle of Raj Bhavan, explicitly prohibits staff members, whether permanent or temporary, from making any statements online, offline, in person, over the phone, or through any other means regarding the ongoing investigation.

This move follows the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) by the Kolkata Police to probe the allegations against the Governor, including the SIT’s request for CCTV footage from the Raj Bhavan premises.

In his notification, Governor Bose cited Article 361 (2) and (3) of the Constitution, which grants immunity to governors from any investigation or legal proceedings during their term in office by the state police.

The Kolkata Police, however, has remained undeterred, actively pursuing leads in the case. The SIT has reportedly sought to speak with witnesses and obtain evidence relevant to the complaint.

The allegations surfaced ahead of a visit by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. PM Modi is in Kolkata and is spending the night at the Raj Bhavan.  

Police sources said this afternoon, a woman claiming to be a temporary staff member attached to the Peace Room in the Raj Bhavan had approached the police post located inside the Governor’s House and accused Mr Bose of molesting her.

The Governor, who has vehemently denied the accusations since their emergence, recently released an audio message alleging political motives behind the controversy. He warned Raj Bhavan staff to remain vigilant against potential infiltrators with malicious intent.