Governor calls on youth to lead ‘change’, Mamata hits back
The Statesman | 16 April 2026
West Bengal Governor RN Ravi urged the youth of West Bengal to take an active role in bringing about “positive change” and restoring the state’s lost glory, while highlighting what he described as a significant economic decline over the decades.
His remarks, made at a Poila Baisakh programme at Lok Bhavan on Wednesday, triggered a sharp political response from Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.
Addressing the gathering, the Governor said West Bengal had historically been a leader in literature, culture, and intellectual pursuits, and was also among the top economic performers in the country in the decades following Independence.
However, he lamented that the state no longer enjoys that stature and called upon citizens to work collectively to reclaim it.
Directly appealing to the younger generation, Ravi said: “Resolve to be positive. Resolve to be part of change. This transformation for a better and more glorious future will not descend from the sky. We have to do it ~ each one of us. Let us pledge that when the country is moving ahead at an unprecedented pace, West Bengal cannot remain behind. It must join, and perhaps even lead.”
The Governor also contrasted the state’s past and present economic indicators. He noted that in the 1960s, West Bengal contributed more than 10 per cent to India’s GDP, surpassing states like Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Gujarat.
“This was the land of industry, of vibrant cultural and intellectual life,” he said.
Citing more recent data, Ravi claimed that while only four states had higher per capita income than West Bengal before the 1980s, today at least 15 states have overtaken it.
He added that the state’s share in national capital has declined from 10.6 percent to around 5 per cent, and that enrolment ratios in schools and colleges are below the national average.
Referring to the MSME sector, he said that against over 5.5 crore registered enterprises nationwide, West Bengal accounts for only around three lakh.
“From where to where we have fallen,” he remarked, adding that the current situation is “very bad.”
The comments drew a swift response from Banerjee, who, without naming the Governor, criticised him at a rally in Islampur, Uttar Dinajpur.
“The ‘Lat Saheb’ of Bengal, who lives in the biggest house, has made a statement today. On New Year’s Day, he should have greeted the people of Bengal. Instead, he criticised me,” she said.
The Chief Minister further alleged that law and order in the state is currently under the control of the Election Commission of India and the Centre.
“Earlier, there was no unrest. Now, under your supervision, there is unrest every day. This goes against the Election Commission,” she added.