Dhankar, Mamata exchange veiled barbs at Bengal business summit

The Chief Minister told the Governor to inform the Centre that industrialists should not be disturbed through agencies

West Bengal Governor Jagdeep Dhankhar and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday exchanged veiled barbs before a global audience at the 6th Bengal Global Business Summit (BGBS).  The audience at the summit included members of the Indian industry, delegates and diplomats from 19 countries and the event was organised to showcase the State as a global investment destination.

 The Governor in his half an hour speech made suggestions like catalyse “development bonhomie” and  “distance development from partisan stance” while the Chief Minister was more direct in telling the Governor that he should tell the Centre at Governor’s conference that “industrialists should not be disturbed through some agency”.

“It will be appropriate for Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to proactively catalyse development bonhomie with all concerned as it is imperative to distance development from partisan stance. A greater reflection of political spectrum of the State in participation in such ventures would surely be motivationally wholesome,” the Governor said.

During his address, Mr. Dhankhar quoted Prime Minister Narendra Modi on several occasions and emphasised on the “look east and act east” policy of the Central government and suggested that the State should be part of the nation’s growth story. “West Bengal must work to be significant part of ongoing script of India’s economic rise by credibly exemplifying its commitment to transparent accountable decision making that is pivoted on systemic and not individualistic functioning,” he said.

Another issue raised by the Governor which raised many eyebrows was on highlighting the rule of law. “I am sure [that the] Government is alive to the need of investment friendly wholesome eco system in governance as investors invariably look for political stability, democratic governance, transparent, accountable mechanism and systemic working, coupled with peaceful environment and rule of law,” Mr. Dhankhar added.

In the past differences between the Governor and Chief Minister have often spilled over in the public domain but the two highest office bearers of the State sounding a different tune at a business summit was not expected.

The development evoked strong reaction from the political circles.