West Bengal Governor Jagdeep Dhankhar on Friday said that he is not an active governor but a copybook governor and will never violate the Constitution. He also shared his relationship with West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and said that both of them are like a brother and sister.
West Bengal Governor Jagdeep Dhankhar said, “I have full faith that being a citizen of this great country and constitutional head of a state, I take my orders from the Constitution itself, I do not get orders from anyone else. My work To protect is to preserve.”
Dhankhar said, the media calls me a proactive governor, which I am not. I am a copybook governor. I believe in the rule of law. I believe that the framework of the law is working and I will not violate constitutional dignity under any circumstances at the behest of anyone. Dhankhar said this while addressing a seminar in the state assembly on the role of governors and legislators in advancing democracy by the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA).
There is also mention of quarrels with Mamta.
Jagdeep Dhankhar also referred to the occasions where he had a dispute with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. He also said that he has a close relationship with them, like a brother and sister, and their dialogue continues. He said that the Constitution spells out the duties of the Chief Minister towards the Governor, which obliges him to provide the information sought by the Governor’s office. But for the last two and a half years no information has been given by this government.
There is a lot of pain and worry in my heart: Dhankhar
The Governor said that he has a lot of pain and concern in his mind, and he also thinks that how can the Chief Minister and the Governor fight in public? He said, “It has been my tireless effort that as governor my main responsibility is to support the government but it is not possible with one hand. I have spoken to the CM (Banerjee) that you are a well-known leader of the country.” Whatever suggestion the Center gives me, I will take it seriously and I would like to act accordingly if there is no constitutional system. Similarly, if you suggest something, it will have the same effect on me. The people of the day center or you will be convinced that I will do what you say, then someone else will sit on this chair, I will not just sit.”
Referring to the appointment of the Vice-Chancellor
Apart from the constitutional obligations, the Governor should not be given any such work, which creates a situation of conflict with the state government. Referring to the appointment of the Vice-Chancellor, he said, “When the matter of appointment comes to me, I work with my intelligence. But when CM’s suggestion comes, I don’t mind. I agree to that name. Despite this, this governor has suffered – 25 vice-chancellors have been appointed without my knowledge, approval and authorization. Dhankhar said that the Governor and MLAs play an important role in furthering parliamentary democracy and Article 164 of the Constitution makes it clear that the Governor and MLAs have specific duties. Presently the Governor and the MLA are facing big challenges, which is a matter of concern.
It is the responsibility of me to uphold the dignity of the Constitution: Dhankhar
Throwing light on the duties of the Governor and the MLAs, he said that the MLAs take an oath to work within the ambit of the Constitution and the Governor takes an oath to protect the Constitution. The Governor also has the responsibility of upholding the dignity of the Constitution. In Indian politics, the Prime Minister and the Chief Minister are paramount.