Death knell of democracy should not ring in hands of its custodian: Bengal Governor C.V. Ananda Bose

In the backdrop of incidents of violence ahead of the Panchayat polls in West Bengal, Governor C.V. Ananda Bose sent out a strong message to the State administration, saying the “death knell of democracy” should not ring in the hands of its custodian

In the backdrop of incidents of violence ahead of the Panchayat polls in West Bengal, Governor C.V. Ananda Bose on Thursday (June 29) sent out a strong message to the State administration, saying the “death knell of democracy” should not ring in the hands of its custodian.

Mr. Bose, who held a meeting with representatives of several parties, at the Siliguri circuit house here, described the current situation in the poll-bound State as "very very disturbing".

"The death knell of democracy must not ring in the hands of its custodian. We must take care of that," Mr. Bose said at the circuit house in Siliguri.

The Governor said he would continue visiting the areas witnessing violence to have first-hand knowledge of what is happening.

"What is happening in the field is very very disturbing. That is what the court has reflected in its various pronouncements and observations. We will certainly see that the present trend is reversed and there is peace and harmony in society.

"Every citizen will be able to cast his vote freely and fearlessly — that is a commitment and we are trying to take it forward. I am going to the field. I like to have a feel of the field," he added.

Mr. Bose, who is on a short trip to the northern districts of the State, said "I am the ground zero governor. I went to different places for my satisfaction. I spoke to the victims”.