Concept of passive governor is gone, says WB Governor Ananda Bose

The concept of "passive governor" is gone and while the elected chief minister should be the "front face" of government, the nominated governor should be in the background as a "friend, philosopher and guide" to the elected representatives, West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose said on Sunday.

In an interview with PTI, Bose, who was in Delhi to attend the Governors' Conference, said the governor is a custodian of the Constitution, guardian of federalism, and "not a rubber stamp".

Bose, who has had frequent run-ins with the Trinamool Congress government in the state, also delved into their strained relations.

Without mincing words, he said that he respects Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee as an individual and has professional relations with her but the "politician Mamata Banerjee" is not his cup of tea.

Talking about the Governors' Conference, Bose called it "transformational" and in line with the vision of the Narendra Modi-led central government.

"In keeping with Prime Minister Shri