Governor tries street food sans security after threat mail
The Statesman | 10 January 2026
A day after receiving a threat email on Thursday late night, West Bengal Governor C V Ananda Bose on Friday morning walked through the congested lanes of central Kolkata with minimal security, accentuating what Lok Bhawan described as his faith in the people of the state and his resolve not to be intimidated.
In a post on its official X handle, Lok Bhawan (former Raj Bhawan) said that following the receipt of an “audacious threat” over email, the Governor decided to walk the streets of Kolkata without his security detail.
The post stated that the Governor has “full faith in the people of West Bengal” and believes they are capable of thwarting any attempt to disrupt peace or cause violence.
The X post also highlighted the Governor’s admiration for Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore, noting that he drew inspiration from Tagore’s iconic song “Jodi tor daak shune keu na ashe, tobe ekla chalo re”.
Lok Bhawan said the Governor has always stood his ground on the right path irrespective of contrary advice and often remarks that “nothing influences me in my discharge of duties.”
As announced earlier, the Governor embarked on a programme titled ‘Ekla Chalo,’ walking through Dacres Lane – a traditional lane in Central Kolkata famous for street-food, and the surrounding areas. During the walk, he interacted with local traders and members of the public.
Governor Bose visited the iconic Chittababu’r Dokan in Dacres Lane for breakfast on Friday morning, and later distributed chocolates among shopkeepers. Traders appeared visibly delighted at the unexpected interaction.
According to Lok Bhawan sources, the threat email was received late on Thursday night, allegedly warning of an attempt to blow up the Governor.
The message triggered immediate concern, prompting a late-night meeting of security officials.
While steps were taken to tighten the Governor’s security, the matter was also informed to the union Home Ministry and an investigation was initiated to identify those behind the email.
The Governor had earlier said that he would go about his routine as usual and mingle with people without heavy security.
He followed through on that statement, moving through the crowded streets of Esplanade and Dacres Lane with only nominal protection, signalling that he would not be cowed down by threats.