Governor Clarifies: “No Bills Are Pending with Raj Bhavan, Contrary to Bengal Government’s Claims”

“Of the eight Bills, six have been sent to President Draupadi Murmu for consideration, and another is currently under judicial review,” Mr. Bose said.

Kolkata: West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose dismissed allegations on Sunday that eight Bills passed by the state assembly are pending with Raj Bhavan.

Governor Bose clarified that out of these Bills, six have been forwarded to President Draupadi Murmu for review, while one is currently awaiting a judicial decision. He also noted that for the eighth Bill, despite needing clarifications, no representative from the state government attended the Raj Bhavan.

“I have seen reports today claiming that the Bengal government has taken the matter of eight pending Bills to the Supreme Court against the Governor. This is incorrect as not a single Bill is pending at Raj Bhavan,” Governor Bose informed PTI from Kerala.

Earlier on Friday, the Mamata Banerjee government moved the Supreme Court alleging that Governor Bose was unnecessarily delaying the Bills without providing reasons.

“The government’s actions or intended actions should be reported, as required by Article 167 of the Indian Constitution,” he emphasized, which outlines the responsibilities of a Chief Minister towards the Governor. “It is unclear why the government has chosen to approach the court without verifying the facts,” he added.

According to a Raj Bhavan official, six Bills from 2022, all related to various state universities, have been reserved for the President’s review. The West Bengal University Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2023, particularly regarding the appointment of vice-chancellors, is currently under judicial scrutiny. Regarding the West Bengal Town and Country (Planning & Development) (Amendment) Bill, 2023, the state government was asked to send the principal secretary to Raj Bhavan for essential clarifications, but no response has been received yet.