Mamata Banerjee Defends Remarks on Raj Bhavan Allegations

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee defended her comments about women expressing fears regarding visiting Raj Bhavan, amid a defamation suit filed by Governor C V Ananda Bose. The Calcutta High Court heard arguments on the matter, with an order expected later. Allegations of molestation against Bose triggered the controversy.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday staunchly defended her comments about women voicing fears over visiting the Raj Bhavan, countering a plea in the Calcutta High Court by Governor C V Ananda Bose. Bose sought an interim order in a defamation suit against Banerjee and other TMC leaders.

Represented by his lawyer, Bose aimed to restrain Banerjee, two newly elected MLAs, and another TMC leader from commenting further on alleged incidents at the Raj Bhavan. Banerjee's counsel SN Mookherjee argued that her remarks were fair comments on public interest issues, not defamatory.

Mookherjee maintained that Banerjee merely echoed women's concerns about alleged activities at the Raj Bhavan, adding he was prepared to provide affidavits from women expressing these fears. Arguments concluded before Justice Krishna Rao, with a ruling on the interim order pending.

Controversy erupted after a woman employee at Raj Bhavan accused Bose of molestation, prompting an investigation by Kolkata Police. Under Article 361 of the Constitution, a governor is immune from criminal proceedings during their term. Bose's counsel refuted fears raised by Banerjee, linking the issue to the oath-taking process of newly elected MLAs.