The occasion was launch of a solar energy project at Raj Bhavan, which aims at producing 50 KW of power to meet half the energy demand of the residential complex. The project was a brainchild of the Governor who started various other projects including rain water harvesting and herbal garden.

Farooq Abdullah, the Union minister for renewable energy, was there too, lavishing praise on Gandhi. A beaming Gandhi enjoyed every bit of the moment.

“The Governor of West Bengal showed the way and now we are encouraging all governor houses of the country to start this project. We are giving Rs 1 crore to all of them. We will also go for solar illumination at places like temples, mosques etc,” Abdullah said.

“Raj Bhavan’s total need every day is 100 KW and this project will meet half the demand. It means saving 600 tonnes of coal every day,” said S P Gan Choudhury, chairman, West Bengal Renewable Energy Development Corporation.

Among members of the Left Front Cabinet present on the occasion were PWD Minister Kishiti Goswamy and IT Minister Debesh Das, who is also the minister-in-waiting for the President.

Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee, who last week skipped the oath-taking ceremony of the new information commissioner at the Raj Bhavan, could not make it, triggering speculation over a renewed chill in the relationship between the two.