Kolkata: West Bengal Governor Jagdeep Dhankhar who is on a week-long visit to North Bengal, severely criticized Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee-led government and said that he was pained to see the "rusting of India's steel frame due to over politicisation", referring to 'breach of protocol by officials' in the state. He called upon the West Bengal Chief secretary to direct Darjeeling District Magistrate and Superintendent of Police to see him but they failed to turn up and the Governor has sought a response from them on breach of protocol.
In a series of tweets, Dhankhar said that Indian Administrative Service Officers and Indian Police Service Officers should go by the rulebook alone. "DMs & SPs-members @IASassociation @IPS_Association has consistently breached protocol on my visits to the State. Called upon Chief secretary of West Bengal government to direct Darjeeling DM and SP, who faulted, to see me today, which they did. Sought their response by tomorrow on protocol violation," Dhankhar tweeted.
Read: Dhankhar on week-long visit to North Bengal from Monday
Pointing out that observing protocol is the bedrock of the governance, he said, "Civil servants @IASassociation @IPS_Association should go by the rulebook alone. Protocol observance is the bedrock of governance that is compromised @MamataOfficial. Adherence to the protocol is basic minimum dignity and respect officially prescribed as a mandate upon every civil servant."
Emphasizing the fact that such 'serious aberrations' were bordering on delinquency and if overlooked, would lead to lawlessness. "Such serious aberrations bordering on delinquency, if overlooked, would lead to the lawlessness that democracy can ill afford. Pained to reflect that the 'steel frame' is rusting due to its over politicization. High time @IASassociation @IPS_Association ponder this," he said. He said the post-poll violence in the state was the most barbaric situation since independence.
Dhankhar who is on a week-long visit to North Bengal, briefing media persons here said: "I am shocked to see that this grave situation is being ignored even after seven weeks since the polls ended. This is the most barbaric post-poll violence after independence. Four states and one Union Territory went to the polls. Why is only West Bengal soaked in blood? Today, people are not able to speak due to fear."