West Bengal Governor C V Ananda Bose will lead a security team in a full search of Raj Bhavan on Monday following allegations by Trinamool Congress MP Kalyan Banerjee that arms and ammunition were being stored within the premises. The decision marks an unusual step by the Governor’s office and has heightened political tension in the state.
An official confirmed that the search will be conducted by a joint team of the Kolkata Police and central security personnel stationed at Raj Bhavan. “The entire Raj Bhavan will be searched by a joint team of the Kolkata Police and central forces deputed here on Monday to find out whether there are arms and ammunition stacked inside. The Governor will be leading the search operation,” the official said. The move follows remarks made by Banerjee on Saturday, in which he accused the Governor of “sheltering BJP criminals” inside Raj Bhavan and “arming them with bombs and guns”. His statement drew strong reactions across political circles and prompted demands for clarification from the Raj Bhavan.
The Governor’s decision to personally supervise the search is being viewed as an attempt to counter the allegations directly and publicly. Officials indicated that the operation will cover all sections of the estate, including offices, residential quarters and ancillary buildings. Security protocols have reportedly been reviewed in preparation for the operation, which is expected to continue for several hours. The allegations have added to the already strained relationship between the state government and Raj Bhavan. The Governor has repeatedly been at odds with the ruling party on administrative and political issues, and Saturday’s accusations have further deepened the divide.
Political observers noted that the search could either defuse the controversy if nothing is found or escalate the confrontation if any irregularities emerge. Senior police officers said the operation will be recorded and documented in detail to ensure transparency. With the Governor set to accompany the search teams on Monday, political attention is likely to remain focused on Raj Bhavan as the situation develops.
