WB Governor Says Minister Must Submit Resignation to Him, Not Chief Minister
Bose insists sports minister's letter must reach him first.
In a clear assertion of constitutional authority amid the fallout from the chaotic Lionel Messi exhibition match in Kolkata, West Bengal Governor C V Ananda Bose declared on Tuesday that he has yet to receive any formal communication from the state government concerning the resignation tendered by Sports Minister Arup Biswas, underscoring the procedural requirements for such actions.
Addressing reporters during his visit to New Delhi, Bose invoked constitutional provisions stipulating that both the resignation of a minister and any subsequent reassignment of portfolios necessitate the explicit approval of the Governor, positioning himself as the pivotal authority in finalising such administrative changes within the state apparatus.
The Governor disclosed that Raj Bhavan had proactively intervened by dispatching advisories—initially through a designated representative and subsequently in written form—urging the government to ensure that the sports minister, who was present at the venue on the day of the disruption, along with other accountable officials, openly accept vicarious liability and submit their resignations without delay.
Also Read: Abhishek Banerjee Defends WB Govt Response to Messi Event Unrest
Bose levelled serious criticism at the organisational lapses during the high-profile event, describing them as evidencing specific, perceptible, and systemic failures in crowd management, while expressing astonishment that a sophisticated urban centre like Kolkata appears to lack comprehensive standard operating procedures for handling large-scale public gatherings effectively.
Furthermore, in a forward-looking recommendation aimed at preventing future mishaps, the Governor proposed the establishment of a compulsory insurance framework to safeguard spectators attending similar large events, with the financial responsibility for premiums squarely placed on the organisers to ensure adequate protection and accountability.
Also Read: #JUSTIN: Bengal Sports Minister Resigns Over Chaos at Messi Event in Kolkata
