Bengal governor C.V. Ananda Bose on Monday batted for peace in the state, underscoring his role as a “friend, philosopher, and guide” to the people and the importance of being a “Ground Zero governor”.

In an interview with ABP Ananda, Bose was asked whether he would file a report in favour of the invocation of Article 355 or 356 in Bengal, to which, he said: “It is a hypothetical question. Certain questions remain as questions without an answer now.”

Asked about the “peace room” he had started over the weekend at Raj Bhavan, the governor spoke of his commitment to the role of a “friend, philosopher, and guide” to the people, which he considers sacrosanct. Bose said he wanted to be in touch with the people as a “Ground Zero governor”, not someone who had to rely on filtered information.

“Some misguided elements opened war rooms at some places in Bengal, thereforethe peace room. We want to establish that the common man will be able to live in peaceand go to the polls without fear. That is why this peace room has been set up as a bridge between the common man and the government,” he said.

“Once peace is established, the peace room will be closed. The earlier, the better… the day peace is there, and the people are convinced that they can live in peace, there is no relevance for the peace room,” added Bose. “It’s a fact, the violence here is a reality, not a fiction. But we have to contain it, curb it. That is the effort I am focusing on.”

Asked if he believed central forces were requiredfor the rural polls in the state, Bose said: “That is for the (state) election commissioner to decide. But already, thehigh court has given its order, and the high court’s order is final. Unless, of course, it is amended by the Supreme Court of India…. Let us wait for the verdict of the Supreme Court.”

Bose has been playing a proactive role in the wake of violence across the state during the nomination-filing phase of the panchayat polls, for which he has come under fire from the ruling dispensation.

The governor, who took charge in November lastyear, changed his stance towards the Mamata Banerjee government palpably since February, from around a trip to Delhi.

Leaders of the Bengal BJP had not approved of Bose — who had been maintaining a remarkably pleasant relationship with Nabanna — till he apparently repositioned himself. The state leadershad complained to their bosses in Delhi against Bose’s “bonhomie” with the chief minister, which goes against their interests.