WB Gov wants no 'power', Left wants no Gov

Showing a Gandhigiri approach that triggered a flare-up with the ruling Left, Gandhi and his staff sweated it out, a day after he announced that Raj Bhavan will go without power for two hours daily from Wednesday as a gesture of solidarity with citizens reeling under power cuts in hot and humid weather.

"I don't like to pass much comment on what Governor is saying. But, I do feel that after 60 years of India's independence there should be a debate all over the country whether Governors posts are necessary," said Biman Bose, a senior CPI member. The Governor's decision comes months after his firm criticism of the state government's handling of the Nandigram issue to the consternation of the state government.

The Governor's decision came as an embarrassment to the Left Front government over the dismal power situation in the metropolis provoking sarcastic reactions from CPM leaders who also brought to fore the role of Governors.

A surprised Power minister Mrinal Banerjee said, "If a person chooses to have a single meal because of food crisis, what can we do?"

CPM general secretary Prakash Karat said in Madurai that 'if anybody switches of electricity, saves electricity it is a good thing. Whey should we object to that'.

On the need for a debate whether Governors are required for the country, Karat said that was a different issue. "But there is a need for redefining the role of Governors," he said.

Lights and fans went off, air conditioners stopped working while lifts stalled at the Raj Bhavan from 1.30 pm to 2.30 pm.

Electricity was switched off again for an hour from 6 pm.

Senior state CPM leader and Rajya Sabha member Shyamal Chakraborty said in Kolkata 'we welcome his (Gandhi's) decision. He may be taking more such decisions in future'.

''Gandhi stays in a palatial house. He can leave Raj Bhavan to make room for a large number of poor people who live in bustees and stay in small quarters like the chief minister and his cabinet colleagues,'' he said.

Chakraborty, who is also the state president of the party's labour wing CITU, said, "he (Gandhi) has a very small family. He draws a hefty salary and he can donate 75 per cent of it to the government."

CPM leader and maverick Sports and Transport Minister Subhas Chakraborty, however, said he did not think there should be any controversy over the governor's voluntary decision.

''If anyone shares the plight of the people, it has to be appreciated and I personally hail it,'' Chakraborty said.

RSP leader and PWD Minister Khiti Goswami said the Governor seemed to have taken the decision on moral grounds in view of the prevailing power situation.

CPI leader and Water Investigation Minister Nandagopal Bhattacherjee said the Governor should have consulted the state government.