Your words about me and government abusive: Mamata's fresh salvo at Guv Dhankhar

In reply to Dhankhar's Apr 23 and 24 letters, Banerjee wrote a 13-page letter to denounce every accusation of "misrule" brought against the CM by Dhankhar.

In blunt words, the CM said in her letter, ".. we have a list of your communications, too long to attach, wherein, immediately after assuming this exalted office, you have used words about me and, even more importantly, my ministers and officers, which, even with maximum restraint, can only be described as vituperative, intemperate, intimidating, abusive and insulting;"

Banerjee also said no other Governor in the entire country used such words against a CM since 1950 when India adopted its own Constitution.

Besides citing a number of court judgements to highlight the powers of the Governor and the CM, Banerjee stated Dhankhar may disagree with the state government, voice his difference of opinion but has no scope of establishing his authority.

"You may (politely) bring your grievance to my attention (not write to Ministers, departments, officers or go to Press or public) and, If it is still not resolved to your satisfaction, there is, unfortunately no other power in you, so long as my Government commands the confidence f the Legislature.." Banerjee said.

Soon after the letter was sent to him, Dhankhar tweeted to say, "Response to my letter dated 24/4 has been sent @MamataOfficial today and is in public domain. Hence this comment prior to response At the outset in this critical time I urge her to focus on grim situation and work in togetherness towards alleviating untold public miseries."

"While I find no substance in her version, both in fact and law, I appreciate her stance ‘for full cooperation with State Government’. Persistently I had been beseeching her to work in togetherness as we are faced virtually with roof falling situation. Hope she acts as such."

"No time to bicker. There are no sane takers for this unseemly scenario. I have held enough close to my chest- looks like revealing is becoming unavoidable. Reply will be sent as her letter has content to which I cannot subscribe as it eclipses essence of constitution."

In reply to Banerjee's Apr 23 letter where Dhankhar was reminded of the constitutional obligations and limits, the Governor in a no-hold attack pulled up the CM accusing her of taking inadequate steps to manage the Covid crisis and help the poor with food and essentials.

Dhankhar had also accused the CM and her government in the state of appeasing the minority community.