Controversy Erupts as West Bengal Governor Unveils Own Statue, Clarification Issued

Images of Governor C.V. Ananda Bose unveiling a bust of himself at Raj Bhavan in Kolkata sparked a controversy in West Bengal. As governor, the event occurred on November 23, 2024, two years into his tenure. The exhibition, unveiled by the Indian Museum, was unfavourably viewed by political leaders and netizens. The Indian Museum posted pictures on X (formerly called Twitter) of the governor unraveling the bust, sculpted by the artist Partha Saha. “The Governor of West Bengal, C.V. Ananda Bose, installed his own bust at Raj Bhavan,” read the post. The statement added to sharp criticism from across political circles. Indian Express

Trinamool Congress spokesperson Jay Prakash Majumder said the act was unprecedented and called it a manifestation of “megalomania” and “in bad taste.” Sujan Chakraborty, a member of the CPIM central committee, shares the same sentiment and said the incident is “unfortunate” and “not worthy of a governor”. The Raj Bhavan, in a clarification issued in wake of the backlash, denied that the governor had initiated the act. The statement said that the bust was a gift from an artist and the unveiling was part of a broader event to celebrate artistic contributions. “It’s customary for the governor to receive works from various artists. That gesture should have been interpreted as the governor dedicating his own statue,” the statement said. Indian Express

In response to the controversy, the Raj Bhavan announced the setting up of a two-member committee to inquire into the event and the media coverage thereof. The panel is working on a report for the governor that should help clarify the situation further.

Feature image: The Governor’s statue was sculpted by a sculptor, Partha Saha| Courtesy: Indian Museum Kolkata/Twitter

In some media reports it has come out that HG has ‘unveiled his own statue’ at Raj Bhavan on 23.11.2024.

The fact is as follows:

Many artists submit their artistic creations to HG. Many painters made HG’s portraits and presented to him. Similarly a creative sculptor had…

— Raj Bhavan Media Cell (@BengalGovernor) November 24, 2024

It has also raised broader questions about whether public officials should take part in events that are a lighter tenor than work on the Hill if those events are seen as self-aggrandising, as well as the need for openness when public figures speak at ceremonial events.

Why Is Western Art Defined by “Isms” While Indian Art Is Rooted in Regions and Traditions?