Minister's statement on law and order during polls irks Bengal governor

KOLKATA: Governor, West Bengal, Jagdeep Dhankhar has taken very strong exception to the reported statement of State Minister Firhad Hakim.
In his statement Firhad Hakim reportedly said, “The governor should not be worried about any possible violence in the upcoming polls since law and order is a state issue. If as a person he feels deeply about crimes against human beings then he should feel pained at the recent Delhi riots which took several human lives while more dead bodies might be recovered. The state government has held a meeting for maintaining law and order during the civic polls.”
The approach of minister Firhad Hakim with respect to the role of governor of the State, to say the least, betrays elementary ignorance both of the Constitution and the role of the governor. Making such public statements, contrary to constitutional essence and spirit does not promote synergy between the constitutional head and the state government.
The governor of the state, by virtue of his oath, is enjoined to protect the constitution within West Bengal. He is also part of state legislature.
Governor Dhankhar asserted that he had consistent with his constitutional obligations interacted with the State Election Commissioner so that the upcoming municipal polls are violence free. This should be the cherished dream of all – who live in West Bengal. This has been done with a positive framework of mind as the situation in 2013 and 2018 left much to be desired.
The violence trail witnessed during those elections cannot be allowed to be repeated this time. The minister ought to appreciate the positive aspect as also timely intervention of the governor aimed at encouraging the State Election Commission to hold fair and violence free elections.
As regards violence outside the state, the reflections of the state minister are wholly unjustified. Time and again governor Dhankhar laid great focus that the state of West Bengal cannot afford to have an image of violence-stricken state.
Our last lok sabha elections, every phase thereof, was tainted by acts of violence. The continuous efforts of the governor that the state must have peaceful non-violent elections and non-violence atmosphere should only be welcome as this is at the heart of the welfare of Bengal.
Governor Dhankhar firmly believes that the State Election Commission is the constitutional body at par with the Election Commission of India and during the municipal elections, the State Election Commission is de facto boss of the bureaucracy on the same pattern as the Election Commission of India. In his meeting with the State Election Commissioner, this fact was singularly highlighted and the State Election Commissioner was cautioned that it should not act as an extension of the State Government. While inputs from the State Government are relevant and of critical importance, the State Election Commission needs to be engaged with all stakeholders and principal political parties so as to ensure that a level playing field is provided.
Governor Dhankhar also appealed to the bureaucracy that it cannot afford to have partisan approach during the elections or at any time. A partisan approach by bureaucracy amounts to misconduct that leads to serious consequences. Bureaucracy is required to be totally distanced from any political party be it ruling or opposition.
Governor Dhankhar asserted that peace-loving people of the state do not believe in violence and the upcoming Municipal elections would surely be very peaceful and every person will have full freedom and right to exercise his franchise without fear or favour.