After Mamata’s threat, Bengal Governor invites her to stage protest inside Raj Bhavan

Gov. Ananda Bose invites CM Banerjee to stage protests inside Raj Bhavan in response to her threat to protest outside. He says, "Come inside and hold protests if you want." Banerjee had criticized Gov. for appointing interim VCs for 8 varsities without regard to search committee's suggestions. #Gov.AnandaBose invites CM Banerjee to protest inside Raj Bhavan, offering her a chance to fight injustice. He has appointed interim VCs for 8 varsities, which Banerjee has criticized. #Banerjee to protest inside Raj Bhavan, Gov. Ananda Bose offers her chance to fight injustice. Appointed interim VCs for 8 varsities, which Banerjee has criticized.

West Bengal Governor C.V. Ananda Bose on September 7 invited Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee as his "honoured guest" to stage any protest she may wish to join inside the Raj Bhavan.

This "offer" comes days after Ms. Banerjee had threatened to stage a sit-in outside the Raj Bhavan to protest against his "holding back" Bills passed by the State Assembly.

Also Read | Will continue to fight to make State universities free of corruption, violence: West Bengal Governor Ananda Bose

"I will request my esteemed constitutional colleague, the honourable CM to come inside the Raj Bhavan and hold protests if she wants. Why should she be standing outside?" the Governor said while speaking to reporters at the airport in Kolkata.

During a Teacher's Day programme on Tuesday, Ms. Banerjee had said, "If federalism is interfered with by taking away rights [of the State Governments], I will be forced to sit on dharna outside the Raj Bhavan. We will not allow injustice. Bengal knows how to fight back. Wait and watch."

The Governor, in his capacity as the chancellor of State-run universities, has recently appointed interim Vice-Chancellors for eight varsities, including the prestigious Presidency University, MAKAUT and the University of Burdwan, a step which was severely criticised by the Chief Minister as a bid to interfere with the running of State-administered universities.

Sources said the interim Vice-Chancellors of eight other universities have also been finalised and appointment letters "will be issued soon".