Kolkata: West Bengal Governor C.V. Ananda Bose on Saturday, implementing a directive from the central government, renamed the Raj Bhavan in Kolkata as ‘Lok Bhavan’.
In an official notification, Bose stated that on March 27, 2023, President Draupadi Murmu, at the instance of the Governor, handed over a symbolic key to the then Raj Bhavan to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, marking the beginning of a new era of the People’s Raj Bhavan and the People’s Raj Bhavan. Raj Bhavan now renamed as ‘Lok Bhavan’
The notification states, “In pursuance of the letter issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs on November 25, 2025, it is notified that the names of the ‘Raj Bhavan’ in Kolkata, Flagstaff House, and the ‘Raj Bhavan’ in Darjeeling are amended to ‘Lok Bhavan’.” This notification is effective immediately. It states that this notification has come into effect immediately. Governor posted on social media
Sharing a post on social media, Governor Dr. C.V. Ananda Bose said, “The concept behind the Jan Raj Bhavan was inspired by the desire to bring the people closer to the Raj Bhavan. Prioritizing the hopes and dreams of the people, their problems, and their aspirations, enlivened the building. Through this, the historic building was not meant to be a symbol of fear, but rather to be open and humane to all. This was the original objective.” The Raj Bhavan, now renamed Lok Bhavan, serves as the Governor’s official residence and also houses his office. He said, “Over the past three years, the Jan Raj Bhavan has implemented numerous constructive and welfare programs for the public. One of its key pillars has been to stand with the people in times of need. Whenever there has been violence, natural disaster, or allegations of atrocities in any corner of the state, the Jan Raj Bhavan has reached the people’s doorstep and extended a helping hand.”
Bose said, “In keeping with the transformative and inspiring leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which has ensured the participation of people from all sections of society, in the glorious march forward towards a developed India, it has been decided to collectively rename the Raj Bhavans and Raj Niwas across the country as Lok Bhavan and Lok Niwas, as per a notification issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs on November 25, 2025.”
He said that from now on, the former Raj Bhavan in West Bengal will be named Lok Bhavan for all purposes.
