Bengal’s Raj Bhavan decides to open its doors to the common man

Kolkata, Mar 29 (PTI) In a historic move, the Raj Bhavan has decided to open its doors to the general public, a senior official said on Wednesday.

Governor CV Ananda Bose handed over the symbolic key of the Raj Bhavan to President Draupadi Murmu, who presented it to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee during a dinner hosted on Monday evening.

However, the date and daily time when the Governor’s official residence will be opened for the general public is yet to be known.

A statement issued by the Governor’s House said that the ‘Traditional Walk’ will begin soon at the Raj Bhavan premises.

“On Monday, Governor Bose hosted a dinner in honor of the President at the Raj Bhavan, which was also attended by the Chief Minister. After that the President handed over the identity key to them.

“Rather than the Raj Bhavan envisioned by the colonialists as an exclusive seat of power, Jan Raj Bhavan is a landmark,” it said, adding that Bose had earlier handed over the keys to Murmu.

To mark President Murmu’s maiden visit to West Bengal, the Governor also presented a coffee table book – ‘100 Days & Beyond’.

The book, published by Raj Bhavan, traces the various events Bose attended during his first 100 days as West Bengal Governor.