West Bengal Governor C.V. Ananda Bose expressed concern over law and order after BJP MP Khagen Murmu and Chief Whip Manoj Ghosh were attacked in Jalpaiguri, warning that democracy and elected representatives are not safe in Bengal.
West Bengal Governor C.V. Ananda Bose on Wednesday expressed deep concern over the deteriorating law and order situation in the state following the recent attack on BJP leaders Khagen Murmu and Manoj Tigga Ghosh. He warned that the incident reflects a widening gap between the state administration and the people, raising serious questions about the safety of elected representatives and the health of democracy in Bengal.
“The situation in Bengal is not good. There is a distance between the government and the people,” the Governor said, referring to Monday’s assault on the BJP Lok Sabha MP Khagen Murmu and the party’s Chief Whip.
According to Governor Bose, the attack on Murmu and Ghosh was not just a political assault but a direct threat to democratic institutions. “A tribal MP was attacked, which shows that the elected representatives are not safe in West Bengal. This means democracy itself is not safe in Bengal,” he asserted.
Bose further revealed that he had already briefed President Droupadi Murmu about the developing situation in West Bengal, stressing the need for urgent corrective measures through constitutional channels.
Attack Reflects Breakdown of Law and Order
The Governor emphasized that maintaining law and order is the constitutional responsibility of the state government. “Whenever there is a violation of law and order and the culprits are not apprehended, it reflects a failure of the police. The police operate under the state government, which, as per the Constitution of India, holds the primary responsibility for maintaining law and order,” Bose said.
He added that such matters must be handled within the framework of the Constitution, using legal mechanisms, court directives, and Supreme Court precedents as guidance. “I believe we are a mature democracy, and appropriate decisions will be taken in a proper manner. Whatever needs to be done to ensure the protection of MLAs and elected representatives will be carried out,” he added.
Bose assured that the concerned authorities would be briefed to take necessary and coordinated action to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Attack on Khagen Murmu and Manoj Tigga Ghosh
The violent incident took place on Monday afternoon at Bamundanga in Jalpaiguri district. According to reports, the vehicle carrying Khagen Murmu, the BJP MP from Maldaha Uttar, and Manoj Tigga Ghosh, the party’s Chief Whip, was attacked allegedly by Trinamool Congress (TMC) supporters.
The two leaders were en route to Nagrakata to distribute relief materials to flood-affected residents in the area. Eyewitnesses claimed that a mob intercepted their vehicle, hurled stones, and attacked them physically.
Murmu sustained serious injuries during the assault and was rushed to a hospital in Siliguri, Darjeeling district, for treatment. Ghosh also received minor injuries and was discharged on Wednesday afternoon after medical attention.
The BJP has accused the ruling Trinamool Congress of orchestrating the attack, calling it a “politically motivated assault on democracy.” The TMC, however, has denied the allegations, claiming that the incident was the result of a “local confrontation” and not politically driven.
Governor Calls for Peace and Fair Elections
In his statement, Governor Bose underlined that the incident comes at a sensitive time, as West Bengal prepares for its crucial Assembly elections next year. “Conducting elections impartially is the duty of the Election Commission of India (ECI). I believe that the ECI is very competent and will ensure free and fair elections in West Bengal next year,” he said.
Political observers view the Governor’s remarks as a significant signal to both the state government and central authorities, indicating possible constitutional intervention if the law and order situation continues to worsen.
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Bose’s comments have intensified the political debate in Bengal, with the opposition BJP demanding accountability from the Trinamool Congress government, while the ruling party has accused the Governor of acting with political bias.
As the situation remains tense, the focus now turns to how both the state administration and the central authorities will respond to ensure peace, accountability, and protection for elected representatives in the run-up to the 2026 Assembly polls.
