‘Ekla Chalo Re’: Following ‘death’ threat, Bengal Governor Ananda Bose walks Kolkata streets without security

Despite the heightened threat level, Governor Bose was seen interacting with citizens and office-goers in the busy Dacres Lane area. (Express Photo)

West Bengal Governor C V Ananda Bose Friday took to the congested streets of Kolkata’s Dacres Lane, abandoning his Z-plus category security detail just hours after receiving an “audacious” death threat via email.

Governor Ananda Bose embarked on a programme he titled “Ekla Cholo Re (Walk Alone)”, drawing inspiration from Rabindranath Tagore’s iconic song of courage.

The move comes as security agencies scramble to investigate a threatening email that warned of a “possible blast” targeting his life.

Governor Ananda Bose said West Bengal was facing two major challenges, “violence and corruption”, and stressed the need for “strong and proactive action to restore the state’s stability and governance.” (Express Photo)

While speaking to reporters during his walk, Governor Ananda Bose said West Bengal was facing two major challenges, “violence and corruption”, and stressed the need for “strong and proactive action to restore the state’s stability and governance.”

A post on the official X handle of Lok Bhavan, Kolkata, detailed the Governor’s stance.

“Following receipt of audacious threat over email, HG decided to walk the streets of Kolkata without his security detail. HG has full faith in the people of West Bengal who are capable enough to thwart any attempts to disrupt peace or cause violence,” the post by the officer on special duty read.

“An ardent admirer of Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore, having heard his stories since childhood, HG was influenced by the electrifying magnetism of the great Polymath. Drawing inspiration from Gurudev’s song – Jodi tor Daak shune keu na aashe tobe Ekla Chalo re…’ HG has always stood his ground on the right path irrespective of any contrary advices.”

Authorities have already detained a person from the New Town area in connection with the threatening mail. (Express Photo)

“Nothing influences me in my discharge of duties,” the Governor was quoted as saying in the post.

While the seriousness of the threat, which mentioned a targeted explosion, prompted an immediate report to the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), the West Bengal Police and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) also intensified surveillance at Lok Bhavan.

Sources indicate a midnight meeting was held to review security protocols inside the Bhavan.