In what could be his last public appearance as the Governor of West Bengal, M K Narayanan on Wednesday administered oath to three Trinamool Congress MLAs and offered sweetmeats to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee from his own plate.
There was bonhomie between Mr. Narayanan and the Trinamool Congress leadership at the event at Raj Bhavan as pleasantries were exchanged.
Other than the Chief Minister, who posed for several minutes for photographs, many ministers from her Cabinet came forward to greet Mr Narayanan.
The Governor also spoke to a number of senior Ministers who greeted him.
As the news of his resignation spread earlier this week, the Trinamool Congress leadership described him as a “guardian who was keenly interested in the affairs of the State”.
Mr. Narayanan was also seen directing the employees of Raj Bhavan to ensure that the guests at the event were properly attended to.
Asked about his tenure in the State as the Governor, Mr. Narayanan made a brief but perhaps an emotional reply: “What can I say....Everything was wonderful.”
The Trinamool Congress leadership had approached him during his tenure both as an Opposition coalition and as the ruling party. Appointed in January 2010, Mr. Narayanan was witness to the change of power in the State after 34 years of Left rule in May 2011.
While on certain issues the Governor and the State government differed, the overall relationship was cordial. The Governor was even seen once in Eden Gardens, where the entire Cabinet was present, with actor Shah Rukh Khan literally shaking a leg after Kolkata Knight Riders won the Indian Premiere League.
Even the State unit of the BJP had described Mr. Narayanan - the former chief of Intelligence Bureau - as “one of the most praiseworthy Governors, who performed his duties impartially”.
The beleaguered Governor is reportedly leaving the State on Friday, only seven months before the end of his tenure.
