THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
New Delhi, March 8: A political row has erupted between the Centre and the West Bengal government over alleged protocol lapses during President Droupadi Murmu’s visit to Siliguri, with the Union Home Ministry seeking a report from the state administration.
Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan has asked West Bengal Chief Secretary Nandini Chakravorty to submit a report by 5 pm regarding alleged lapses during the President’s event.
Centre flags four issues
According to sources, the Home Ministry has raised four key questions regarding the President’s visit to West Bengal:
- Why Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, the Chief Secretary and the Director General of Police were not present to receive or see off the President.
- Why there was reportedly no water in the washroom arranged for the President.
- Why the route to the venue had garbage along the road.
- What action has been taken against officials including the Darjeeling District Magistrate, Siliguri Police Commissioner and Additional District Magistrate.
The Home Ministry has asked the state government to clarify the matter urgently.
President Murmu expresses displeasure
During her visit, Droupadi Murmu publicly expressed disappointment over the arrangements.
She said it is customary for the Chief Minister and ministers to welcome the President during official visits and questioned why the state leadership was not present.
Murmu also raised concerns about the change of venue and low turnout at the programme linked to the International Adivasi Santal Conference in Siliguri.
Mamata Banerjee rejects allegations
Responding to the controversy, Banerjee said the district administration had already informed the President’s Secretariat that the organisers were not adequately prepared for the event.
According to the Chief Minister, the programme was organised by the International Santal Council, a private organisation, and the administration had flagged concerns after security liaison meetings.
She said the President was received and seen off by the Siliguri mayor, Darjeeling district magistrate and the police commissioner, strictly according to the protocol approved by the President’s Secretariat.
“No protocol lapse happened on the part of the district administration,” Banerjee said, accusing the BJP of politicising the issue.
PM Modi calls incident “shameful”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the developments as “shameful and unprecedented.”
He said the alleged insult to the President, who herself comes from a tribal community, had caused deep disappointment among people across the country.
“The office of the President is above politics and its sanctity must always be respected,” Modi said in a post on X.
Political war ahead of Bengal polls
The controversy has triggered a sharp political exchange between the BJP and the ruling Trinamool Congress, as West Bengal prepares for Assembly elections expected in the coming months.
Trinamool Congress leader Abhishek Banerjee accused the BJP and central agencies of targeting the state for political reasons.
