Was Raj Bhavan's Name Changed Without Bengal's Consent?
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Synopsis
In a significant political move, the Trinamool Congress has accused the Central government of changing the name of Raj Bhavan to Lok Bhavan without consulting the West Bengal government. This controversial decision raises questions about the Governor's intentions and the timing ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections.
Key Takeaways
- Raj Bhavan renamed to Lok Bhavan by the Central government.
- Accusations of lack of consultation with West Bengal authorities.
- Initiated by Governor C. V. Ananda Bose.
- Concerns raised by Trinamool Congress about governance.
- Significant implications for state-federal relations.
Kolkata, Nov 30 (NationPress) The Trinamool Congress asserted on Sunday that the Central government has altered the name of Raj Bhavan to Lok Bhavan without any prior consultation with the West Bengal administration.
Trinamool Congress spokesperson Kunal Ghosh questioned whether the Governor aims to establish a "parallel administration" within the state.
"Raj Bhavan is now Lok Bhavan. With the upcoming 2026 state Assembly elections in mind, this initiative seems to have begun in West Bengal. The directive to rename Raj Bhavan to Lok Bhavan applies nationwide. So, why was it introduced first in West Bengal? Why not in other states? Does this imply that the Governor is attempting to create a parallel administration?" Ghosh inquired.
The renaming of the Raj Bhavan in West Bengal took place on Saturday. The Governor's residence, previously known as Raj Bhavan, will now be referred to as Lok Bhavan.
This change was initiated by the current Governor, C. V. Ananda Bose, who sought to eliminate the colonial connotations associated with the original name.
A proposal for the name change was subsequently forwarded from the Governor's office to President Droupadi Murmu.
Finally, the President's Office granted formal approval, as indicated by a notification released from the Governor's House on Friday afternoon.
According to a statement from the Governor's office, on March 27, 2023, President Murmu symbolically handed over a key of the former Raj Bhavan to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, at Governor Ananda Bose's request, signaling a new era of people's Raj Bhavan -- THE JANA RAJ BHABAN.
"In line with the communication from the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, the Union government issued a memo dated November 25, 2025, confirming that the Raj Bhawan in Kolkata, Flagship House, and Darjeeling has been officially renamed as Lok Bhawan," the notification stated.
Point of View
The renaming of Raj Bhavan to Lok Bhavan without consultation raises significant concerns about federal-state relations in India. It highlights the ongoing tension between the Central government and regional authorities, particularly in politically charged contexts like West Bengal. The situation warrants careful attention as it could have broader implications for governance and democratic processes in the country. Staying informed on such developments is crucial.
NationPress
30/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Raj Bhavan renamed?
The renaming aims to eliminate symbols of colonialism and establish a more inclusive identity for the Governor's residence.
Who initiated the renaming process?
The current Governor, C. V. Ananda Bose, proposed the name change.
What was the reaction of the Trinamool Congress?
The Trinamool Congress expressed concerns about the lack of consultation with the West Bengal government and questioned the motives behind the change.
When was the renaming officially announced?
The notification regarding the name change was issued on Friday afternoon, following approval from the President's Office.
What does Lok Bhavan signify?
Lok Bhavan symbolizes a shift towards a more people-centric governance model and aims to resonate with the local populace.
