West Bengal Issues Guidelines Restricting Employee Media Interaction, Triggers Political Row

A political controversy has erupted in West Bengal after Trinamool Congress (TMC) National General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee sharply criticised the state government over new conduct guidelines that restrict government employees from interacting with the media or expressing opinions without official approval, calling the move a “strangulation of democracy.”

Banerjee, in a strong post on social media, alleged that the latest directives are aimed at silencing administrative voices rather than safeguarding institutional discipline. He argued that preventing government employees from speaking to the press or sharing information without authorisation undermines transparency and weakens democratic accountability within the administrative system.

The controversy stems from Circular No. 139-CS issued on May 19 by the office of the Chief Secretary, which reportedly imposes strict restrictions on all categories of government employees, including IAS and WBCS officers, police personnel, and staff of autonomous and semi-autonomous bodies. The circular bars them from engaging with the media or making public statements without prior permission. A follow-up order issued on May 20 by the Department of Personnel and Administrative Reforms directed all departments and districts to implement the guidelines immediately.

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Banerjee criticised the repeated use of the term “complete prohibition” in the circular, saying it reflects an excessive and coercive administrative approach rather than standard governance protocol. He alleged that the measures amount to a blanket restriction on free expression within the bureaucracy and raise concerns about over-centralisation of administrative control.

He also targeted both the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Central government, alleging that West Bengal is being governed under a “remote control” model from Delhi. According to him, such an arrangement encourages enforced silence among government employees and discourages open dialogue on policy and governance matters.

Describing the directive as an “edict,” Banerjee further claimed that it prevents employees from participating in public discussions, writing opinion pieces, or criticising government policies, thereby shrinking space for constructive engagement. He argued that framing such restrictions as necessary for inter-governmental relations risks eroding free speech within the administrative framework.

The TMC leader concluded that the move reflects intolerance towards dissent rather than administrative strength, stating that restricting voices within the system is not a sign of discipline but an indication of weakened institutional confidence. The issue is expected to fuel further political debate in the state over governance practices and administrative freedom.

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