West Bengal education minister criticises governor action to remove Gour Banga University's interim VC

KOLKATA : West Bengal Education Minister Bratya Basu on Monday criticised Governor CV Ananda Bose's decision to remove Gour Banga University's interim vice-chancellor Rajatkishore Dey, calling it illogical and mere antics. Basu expressed his discontent with the governor's action, stating that it goes against the model code of conduct, especially considering the announcement of poll dates.

"Residents of the state are fed up and exasperated by the meaningless antics of the governor. It defies logic. He is even violating the model code of conduct as the poll dates have been announced," Basu told reporters. He also questioned whether the recent West Bengal College and University Professors' Association (WBCUPA) state convention at Gour Banga University might have provoked the governor, even though the VC wasn't present at the event.

Raj Bhavan in a notice on March 31 night said, "The authorisation given to Prof Rajat Kishore Dey as per order dated August 21, 2023 to exercise the powers and perform the duties of the office of the VC University Gour Banga is withdrawn. The order will take immediate effect." This move by Bose follows the removal of Jadavpur University's interim VC Buddhadeb Sau on December 23, after Sau proceeded with holding an annual convocation despite objections from Raj Bhavan.