Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose resigns; RN Ravi to take over

West Bengal Governor C.V. Ananda Bose resigned from his post on March 5, 2026, submitting his resignation letter to President Droupadi Murmu in Delhi. This unexpected move occurred just weeks before the crucial West Bengal Assembly elections. The Governor stated that he had "spent enough time at the Governor's office" and felt it was time to step down. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed her shock and deep concern over the sudden resignation. She revealed that Union Home Minister Amit Shah had informed her about the resignation and also indicated that Tamil Nadu Governor R.N. Ravi would be appointed as Bose's successor. Banerjee alleged that the Governor might have been subjected to pressure from the Union government to step down ahead of the elections, and voiced her displeasure over not being consulted regarding the appointment of the new governor, stating that such unilateral decisions by the Centre undermine cooperative federalism and the dignity of states. Bose's tenure as Governor, which began in November 2022, was reportedly marked by a strained relationship and several instances of friction with the Mamata Banerjee-led state government. Issues ranging from law and order to university administration and the Governor's interventions in politically sensitive matters led to several clashes. One notable controversy involved allegations of sexual harassment made by a Raj Bhavan employee against Bose in May 2024, which he vehemently denied. The Chief Minister had also publicly criticized him, even referring to him as "Lady Macbeth" at one point, and he, in turn, filed a defamation case against her. Bose, a retired Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer, was appointed as the 21st Governor of West Bengal on November 17, 2022, succeeding La. Ganesan (who held additional charge). His term was scheduled to end in November 2027. Prior to his appointment in West Bengal, he had served in various administrative capacities and was known as an author with numerous publications. The sudden resignation, just over three years into his tenure, has added another layer of political significance to the ongoing pre-election atmosphere in West Bengal. The appointment of R.N. Ravi, who has also had a contentious relationship with the Tamil Nadu government, further intensifies the political discourse surrounding the gubernatorial changes. The resignation occurred precisely at a time when the state is gearing up for its Assembly elections, making the timing a subject of significant political speculation.

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