Chaos erupted in the West Bengal state assembly on Thursday as Governor C V Ananda Bose abruptly stopped his address in the state Assembly during the budget session and walked out of the House after about four-and-a-half minutes, sparking sharp political reactions.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) described the move as a symbolic rejection of the speech drafted by the Mamata Banerjee-led government.
Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari said the Governor’s action signalled his refusal to endorse the contents of the address. As Bose exited the Assembly, BJP legislators hailed him, raising slogans in his support.
Before leaving, the Governor briefly spoke with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who placed a shawl around his neck and personally escorted him out of the House. Banerjee later declined to comment on their interaction.
Under Article 176 of the Indian Constitution, the Governor is required to address the Assembly at the beginning of the first session each year. The unprecedented walkout has added to the ongoing political tension between the Raj Bhavan and the state government.
