West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose on Saturday commended Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for her upcoming visit to Oxford University, where she is scheduled to deliver a lecture on March 27. Speaking to PTI reporters at a Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) event, Bose expressed immense pride in the Chief Minister’s achievements and her global recognition.
“It is a matter of pride that the CM, who hails from the land of Rabindranath Tagore, has been invited to such a prestigious institution,” Bose remarked, highlighting the significance of Banerjee’s international acclaim. “Whenever something positive happens for Bengal, it makes us all happy,” he added.
CM’s UK visit itinerary
Banerjee’s lecture at Oxford University is the centrepiece of her UK visit, which also includes several key engagements aimed at bolstering Bengal’s economy. On March 25, she is scheduled to meet with industrialists to attract investments to the state. Her return is expected between March 28 and 29.
The Chief Minister’s itinerary also features a program at the Indian High Commission in London on March 24, followed by a government-to-government (G2G) event on March 26. On March 27, she will participate in another G2G event at Oxford.
Decision on VC and IPL Match
In addition to his comments about Banerjee’s Oxford visit, Governor Bose addressed questions regarding the appointment of a permanent Vice Chancellor at Jadavpur University, currently led by officiating VC Bhaskar Gupta. “There are two options for him—either to retire or to re-enter. We will decide whichever is better,” said Bose, who also serves as the Chancellor of state-run universities in West Bengal.
On the shifting of an IPL match from Kolkata to Guwahati, scheduled for April 6, Bose said the decision had not yet come to his attention. The Kolkata Knight Riders’ home game against Lucknow Super Giants will be moved due to security concerns arising from Ram Navami celebrations in Kolkata on the same day. “Once it comes to my attention, I will take appropriate steps,” he stated, indicating his willingness to address the situation if needed.