R.N. Ravi, former IB chief, sworn in as West Bengal’s new governor amid expectations of improved state-center relations.

On March 12, 2026, R.N. Ravi, former Intelligence Bureau chief and Tamil Nadu’s former governor, was sworn in as West Bengal’s 22nd Governor in Kolkata. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee welcomed him with a traditional cloak and declared, “Bengal loves those who love Bengal,” emphasizing the state’s expectation of genuine loyalty from its Governor. The remark, interpreted as a subtle message on cooperation, follows past tensions between the Governor’s House and the state government, especially during the abrupt resignation of Ravi’s predecessor, C.V. Ananda Bose, on March 5. Ravi, who arrived in Kolkata the day before, becomes the second former IB chief to hold the post in 15 years, following M.K. Narayanan.