Bengal Guv directs removal of state Education Minister; Bratya Basu retorts

Basu recently held a meeting in the campus of Gour Banga University in Malda district.

"In the light of the political meeting held in Gour Banga University under the leadership and presence of Shri Bratya Basu (Minister of Education) with other Ministers, MPs, MLAs and political leaders on 30th March, 2024, the Chancellor and Governor has directed the State government to take action against the erring Minister who has deliberately violated the election code of conduct," a communication from the Raj Bhavan said.

The communication added that the Governor had said, "Be you ever so high, the law is above you."

The minister, responding to the direction about taking action against him, said the Governor has exceeded his "constitutional limit".

Bose on April 2 directed the state government to dismiss Bratya Basu from the Cabinet for alleged violation of the model code of conduct ahead of the general election.

Before the Governor's direction to the government, a logjam happened after the Governor recently removed the Gour Banga University vice-chancellor, and in retaliation the education department told the VC to stay in the post.

Thereafter Bratya Basu chaired a meeting with TMC affiliated professors' platform WBCUTA inside the campus on March 30 in which some political figures, including that of MPs and TMC candidates and ministers and MLAs, were present, which according to the Governor was a violation of election code of conduct.

The minister while retaliating in a post said, "Indian Constitution clearly states the recommendation of appointment or removal of any Minister lies with the Chief Minister. He (the Governor) has not only shown his true colours, he has exceeded his constitutional limit as well," Basu said.

His take was that if he had at all violated the poll code, then it was the prerogative of a political party to bring it to the notice of theElection Commission of India.