I’m the voice of my conscience: West Bengal Governor

Kolkata: Governor Kesari Nath Tripathi Sunday responded to chief minister Mamata Banerjee's charge that he was speaking “in the voice of the Central government” by saying he was only speaking the “voice of my conscience”.

“I am the voice of my conscience,” Mr Tripathi told reporters when asked about the charges Ms Banerjee levelled against him after he criticised the CM over her stand on presence of Army at toll plazas.

Mr Tripathi, who seemed visibly hurt with the comments made by the CM and TMC delegation, refused to say anything else and left for Kalakunj to attend the book launch of Yogi Sri Madhukarnath's autobiography, 'Apprenticed to a Himalaya Master'.

“Every person should be careful while making allegations against a responsible organisation like the Army... Do not let down the Army. Do not defame the Army,” Mr Tripathi had told reporters on the sidelines of a programme Saturday.

Ms Banerjee had countered him by alleging that he was “speaking in the voice of the Central government”. “He was not in the city for about 8 days. Before making statements, all details should have been checked. It is very unfortunate,” she had tweeted.

The exchanges were triggered by the CM's objection to the presence of Army personnel at toll plazas, making her wonder if it was a “coup”.