“In alignment with (his) vision to foster creativity and cultural appreciation, we proudly hosted the unveiling of a bust of Dr C.V. Ananda Bose, Hon’ble Governor of West Bengal. Sculpted by the talented Shri Partha Saha of the Indian Museum, (it) was unveiled by (Bose) himself,” the museum wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

The move saw criticism from the ruling Trinamool Congress and other political parties, claiming it was “unbecoming” of the post he holds. “This is unprecedented… the unveiling of one’s own bust in Raj Bhawan. It is in bad taste. He is acting like a megalomaniac,” Jay Prakash Majumder, TMC vice president and spokesperson, said.

CPIM central committee member Sujan Chakraborty, too, hit out at the move. “It is unfortunate and unbecoming of the Governor to unveil his own bust.”

However, the Raj Bhawan, defending the move, said in a statement: “In some media reports, it has come out that (the Governor) has “unveiled his own statue” at Raj Bhavan on November 23. The fact is as follows: Many artists submit their artistic creations to (him)… Similarly, a creative sculptor created a sculpture… and presented it to (him)… This has unfortunately been described as “unveiling his own statue.””

The Indian Museum’s post further read, “The intricately crafted bust serves as a tribute to His Excellency’s contributions and his unwavering commitment to promoting art and heritage. This initiative underscores the museum’s dedication to preserving and celebrating excellence in the creative arts.”

Another statement from the Raj Bhavan, issued later in the day, added, “In a heartfelt moment of ‘people-connect’… Honourable Governor received a bust of himself, sculpted by a ‘common’ sculptor who had never met the Hon’ble Governor face to face, or had never been to Raj Bhavan, Kolkata. Residing in the interior parts of West Bengal, he has dreamt of presenting his artwork to His Excellency for completing two profound years as the leader of the state, with a sculpture that was a tribute born from deep admiration… The unveiling was far from a ceremonial self-inauguration; instead, it was a moment that reflected the profound humility and graciousness of His Excellency Dr. C. V. Ananda Bose, who respects the collective spirit of the ‘people’; and unveiled the dream of a ‘common man’…”