Assembly gate closed to Bengal Governor Jagdeep Dhankhar

In an embarrassing incident, West Bengal Governor Jagdeep Dhankhar on Thursday had to wait in front of locked Gate No. 3 of the state Assembly, designated for the governor and had no other way but enter through Gate No. 4 meant for the media and officials.

Addressing the press outside the closed gate, Dhankhar said the incident has put the country’s democratic history to “shame”. “Why is the Gate No. 3 closed? Despite my prior intimation, the gate is closed. The Assembly being adjourned does not mean it is closed,” the governor said.

“My purpose is to see the historic building, visit the library…the entire secretariat has to be open,” he was quoted as telling the media, adding that his humiliation is the humiliation of democracy.

According to Assembly norms, Gate No. 3 is designated for the governor’s entry and exit. Dhankhar had on Wednesday (December 4) had written to West Bengal Assembly speaker Biman Banerjee expressing his desire to look into its facilities and also visit the library.

The speaker had abruptly adjourned the House for two days till December 5 as the bills which were scheduled to be placed could not be tabled as they were yet to receive the nod of the governor, the speaker had said in the Assembly on Tuesday.

(With inputs from agencies)