Mamata calls Governor ‘latsahib’, says his remarks on Bengal economy are an insult

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has launched a strong political counterattack on Governor R. N. Ravi following his remarks at a Poila Boishakh event held at Raj Bhavan (Lok Bhavan), where he called upon the youth of the state to take responsibility for bringing “change” and restoring Bengal’s past glory. Without naming him directly, Mamata Banerjee referred to the Governor as “latsahib” and alleged that his comments were not only politically motivated but also an insult to her and the people of the state.

The Governor, in his address, delivered a detailed assessment of West Bengal’s historical and present economic position. He stated that Bengal was once among the most prosperous regions in the country, contributing over 10% to India’s GDP in the 1960s and playing a leading role in industry, education, and cultural development. However, he claimed that the state’s share in national income has now fallen to around 5%, indicating a significant economic decline over the decades.

He further compared Bengal’s current performance with other states, stating that while only a few states had higher per capita income than Bengal in earlier decades, around 15 states have now surpassed it. He also raised concerns over what he described as lower-than-national-average enrolment in schools and colleges, as well as weaker industrial output. The Governor urged the youth to take an active role in rebuilding the state’s development trajectory and said Bengal must once again aim to lead the country economically and culturally.

Reacting strongly to these observations, Mamata Banerjee addressed a public rally in Islampur and accused the Governor of deliberately undermining Bengal’s image. She said that instead of extending greetings on Bengali New Year, he made statements that she described as insulting. She also alleged that the Governor’s remarks reflected a distorted portrayal of the state’s situation and questioned the intent behind such statements during an election-sensitive period.

The political exchange further intensified when Mamata Banerjee accused the Governor of overstepping his constitutional role and entering into political commentary. She also criticised the broader administrative environment, claiming that law and order is no longer fully under the state government and is being influenced by external authorities, further escalating the confrontation between Raj Bhavan and the state government.