The Governor, who returned to Kolkata after his two-day official visit to the national capital, said, “As a Governor I have a duty towards the people of Bengal, to take care of their welfare. I have been to the Government of India recently. This is not the first visit, the second visit in a few days. Basic idea was to see whether funds can be obtained for the welfare of the people of Bengal.”

“The central government, particularly the Prime Minister, is very keen to solve the issue and whatever could be done for the welfare of the people of Bengal, without any delay,” said Bose. The Governor, on Friday had said that all dues of West Bengal will be cleared by the Centre provided the state government meets the requirements laid down by the Centre. He had said this after meeting Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

The comments from the Governor come at a time when Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee was holding a sit-in protest in the city, seeking immediate release of central government funds under various welfare schemes. The state’s dues amount to a massive Rs 7,000 crore for several central government-run schemes including MGNREGA, and Pradhan Mantri Gramin Awas Yojana (PMGAY) among others.

‘PM like Lord Krishna’

Governor Bose compared PM Modi to Lord Krishna in Mahabharata and said, “PM Modi is Lord Krishna who is protecting the country, like Krishna who protected Arjuna and his chariot in the battle field.”

“India has shown to the world that the inner strength of a nation is its spiritual sublimity. I feel proud to say I am a Hindu in a secular state,” he added.

The Trinamool Congress, meanwhile, took a dig at the Governor for praising the PM. TMC state vice-president Jay Prakash Majumdar said, “There can never be a comparison between Lord Krishna and anyone. Some people are trying to keep the PM in good humour by showering such praises. Maybe they want something in return which is the reason why such outlandish comparisons are being made.”