WB governor to travel by road as Mamata govt yet to give helicopter

West Bengal Governor Jagdeep Dhankhar seemed to be unfazed even after facing a veiled criticism from Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who accused him, without taking his name, for running a parallel government in the state.

Mamata said on Thursday, "Some people are working as BJP mouthpieces and running a parallel government."

She said they are nominated while she is elected.

There doesn't seem to an end yet to the power tussle between the state government and the governor, with the latter's request for a helicopter to travel to Maldah on Friday being, reportedly, turned down by the West Bengal government.

Said Dhankhar's office, "Accompanied by the First Lady Smt. Sudesh Dhankhar, governor will be leaving on 15 November at 5 a.m. to attend a programme at Farakka by 12.20 p.m. where he will be the Chief Guest at the Silver Jubilee Celebration of Prof. S.N.H. College, Farakka Barrage, Murshidabad."

The invitation for the programme was extended to the governor by the principal of the college. While returning, the governor and his wife will be stopping at Circuit House at Suri, Birbhum, from 5.20pm to 5.40pm and will arrive at Burdwan Circuit House at 7.40pm. They would be reaching Raj Bhavan at 10pm.

The governor is expected to cover 600km on this journey in a single day.

"As the request for a helicopter made to the State Govt well in time has not found so far favourable consideration, Governor will travel by road," said Dhankhar's office.

As per the direction, the issue of helicopter has been flagged to the state chief secretary for his response, which is being awaited by the governor's office. Dhankar's office said the matter has been referred to the chief minister, too.

"Keeping in view of the delay involved, a communication in the matter has already been sent by him (governor) to the Hon’ble CM but response to that is awaited," said the officer of Raj Bhavan.