Bose puts up at Soujanya, Didi meets him, says resignation was ‘injustice’

Kolkata: CM Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday evening called on former Bengal governor CV Ananda Bose at Soujanya — a state govt guest house for visiting diplomats and dignitaries — calling his resignation an "injustice".Bose was staying at this facility after returning from Delhi, choosing not to go to Raj Bhavan after his resignation. Raj Bhavan staffers, instead, gave Bose a farewell at Indian Museum.Bengal's governor-designate RN Ravi is likely to reach the city on Wednesday afternoon. Ravi, a former IPS officer, is set to be sworn in at Raj Bhavan on Thursday morning. Calcutta High Court Chief Justice Sujoy Paul will administer the oath of office to Ravi.Raj Bhavan officials said they were ready to receive the newly appointed governor and that all arrangements had been made for his welcome.At the end of her five-day dharna at Esplanade, Banerjee announced that she would pay a visit to Bose out of "courtesy as he is leaving the city". "Our former governor was here for a long time. He is currently at a guest house. He will leave on Wednesday. I will go to pay a courtesy visit to the former governor, who was removed unfairly," she said.Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Banerjee said: "He (Bose) was here for a long time. I knew him and his family well. We had worked together. I wish him well."Asked if Bose referred to anything regarding his sudden resignation, the CM replied: "He faced injustice. He has been wronged. This (resignation) is politically motivated. He was removed ahead of polls. He had a year-and-a-half of his (five-year) term left."Banerjee added: "He (Bose) was supposed to fly to Bagdogra on Friday to receive the President. That was the original schedule. The Bengal govt flight was also readied for his travel to Bagdogra. But before that he was called to Delhi."Asked why Bose chose not to stay at Raj Bhavan but Soujanya instead, the CM said: "This is courtesy (by the Bengal govt). He has faced injustice. He has self-respect. The governor wanted to stay in a private hotel. When I heard that, I asked, 'Why a hotel? Why not Soujanya?' This is a state facility for visiting dignitaries and diplomats. So, he stayed here."According to Raj Bhavan officials, Banerjee is scheduled to attend Ravi's swearing-in, though the CM herself did not speak on the matter. Regarding Ravi's appointment, Banerjee had earlier said that she was not consulted by the Centre, which she said violated the established convention for appointing a governor.