Kolkata: Governor-designate R N Ravi is likely to reach Bengal on Wednesday and is closely monitoring the state’s administrative and political developments from Chennai, sources said. His predecessor, C V Ananda Bose, said on Sunday that his resignation as governor was a “conscious decision” and asserted that the reasons for his exit will remain confidential until the right time.Bose, who returned to Kolkata for the first time since stepping down, spoke to reporters at the airport. “I made a conscious decision to put in my papers, the reasons for which will remain confidential until the right time arrives,” he said, adding, “The rules of this game include knowing when it ends.”Asked repeatedly about Trinamool allegations that he was coerced into resigning, Bose said, “You have said it. I have heard it. I have nothing to comment on that.”Pressed again on why he resigned, Bose said, “Wherever there is an entry, there is an exit. I have completed 1,200 days as governor here, which in cricket terms is 12 centuries; that is enough. There is a time to switch off, and I believe this is the right time for me.”On why he flew to Delhi instead of Darjeeling on Friday, Bose said, “I resigned while in Kolkata, not in Delhi.” Asked whether he would continue to remain a Bengal voter, he said, “I am a proud voter of Bengal. I will come and cast my vote.” Bose transferred his EPIC from his home state, Kerala, to Chowringhee — the Assembly segment under which Raj Bhavan falls — in the last week of Feb.Ravi, who earlier served as deputy national security adviser under the Narendra Modi govt and spent decades in the Intelligence Bureau, is now preparing his course of action after taking charge.Sources said he is receiving regular briefings on Bengal from multiple channels and is seeking a clearer understanding of the state’s administrative and political landscape. Officials said Raj Bhavan is ready for Ravi’s swearing-in ceremony, and it is now up to Nabanna to finalise the timing. Soon after assuming office, Ravi is expected to hold internal consultations and meetings with key stakeholders, though the detailed schedule will be finalised once he arrives.‘In no position to comment on Prez row’C V Ananda Bose, who was scheduled to receive President Droupadi Murmu in Darjeeling on Friday—the day he resigned—chose not to comment on the ongoing controversy. “As a departing governor, it is not appropriate for me to comment at this juncture. Our President is a very experienced, very balanced, and very dignified lady, and she may have her reasons for commenting as she did. I am in no position to comment.”
