New Delhi (Agency): West Bengal’s Governor C V Ananda Bose launched an ‘anti-corruption cell’ at Raj Bhavan on Wednesday. This move was met with protests from the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) party, which views it as an “intrusion” into the everyday operations that are the state government’s responsibility.
The governor defended his initiative, saying it aims to assist ordinary citizens in communicating their grievances to the appropriate authorities. Bose rejected the TMC’s objections, stating that the cell would not “infringe on others’ turf”.
Bose stated, “At the anti-corruption cell, we are trying to give a voice to the voiceless. Raj Bhavan is attempting to befriend the impoverished who have no friends during these violent times.” He added that while the establishment of the ‘Peace Room’ had been met with concerns, it was successful in dealing with complaints related to violence during the recent local elections.
Governor Bose urged citizens not to bribe anyone and said, “If someone demands money, take their picture and send it to me.” He was referring to a statement made by the Chief Minister of West Bengal at a recent rally, a policy he is keen to enforce through the new cell.
Any instances of corruption can be reported to the anti-corruption cell, Bose stated. “We will then escalate it to the appropriate authorities,” he concluded. The move represents a novel attempt to tackle corruption in the state, bringing the issue directly to the doorstep of Raj Bhavan. Despite the opposition’s protests, the governor remains optimistic that this new approach will provide a more transparent way for the common people to voice their concerns.
