President Droupadi Murmu and West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee (File photo)
Amid a political storm over alleged “lapses” during President Droupadi Murmu’s visit to West Bengal, the Centre has asked the state government to submit a response by 5 pm on Sunday over suspected violations of protocol related to venue and route arrangements, sources told news agency PTI.In a letter to the West Bengal chief secretary, Union home secretary Govind Mohan asked the state to furnish a detailed explanation regarding alleged violations of the ‘Blue Book’ rules governing protocol, venue and route arrangements.The ‘Blue Book’ is a confidential document that outlines security and protocol rules for the President, Vice-President, Prime Minister and their families.President Murmu on Saturday expressed dismay over the low turnout at a tribal community event near Bagdogra airport and questioned the decision to shift the venue from Bidhannagar.
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She also noted the absence of West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee and her ministers during her visit.Highly placed sources said the communication sent to the West Bengal chief secretary also sought a response on the absence of the chief minister, the chief secretary and the director general of police at the airport to receive the President, which is considered a serious violation of the Blue Book protocol.Officials said the Centre has also taken note that only Siliguri mayor Gautam Deb was present to receive the President at the airport, which is seen as a breach of protocol. According to PTI sources, the washroom arranged for the President reportedly did not have water, for which an explanation has been sought from the state government.The state has also been asked to explain why the route chosen by the administration for ferrying the President was allegedly littered with garbage.The letter further seeks details on the action taken against the Darjeeling district magistrate, the Siliguri police commissioner and the additional district magistrate, who appear to be directly responsible for the alleged violations.President Murmu had been invited to attend the annual programme of the tribal community, which was originally scheduled to be held at Bidhannagar in Siliguri.However, citing security and logistical reasons, authorities shifted the venue to Goshaipur near Bagdogra airport, officials said.When the President arrived at the venue on Saturday afternoon, only a handful of people were present. Siliguri mayor Gautam Deb was the only representative present at the airport to receive her.“Mamata Banerjee is like my younger sister. I am also a daughter of Bengal. I do not know whether she is upset. Anyway, that does not matter. All of you stay well,” the President said.She also questioned the decision to shift the venue for the tribal community’s annual programme from Bidhannagar to Goshaipur, where the turnout was reportedly low.“Had the programme been held there (at Bidhannagar), it would have been better. There is ample space there and many people could have attended. But I do not know why the state administration did not permit the meeting there. Today’s programme is being held at such a place that it is difficult for people to come here. Perhaps the state government does not want the welfare of tribals, and that is why they were prevented from coming here,” Murmu said.According to protocol, the chief minister or a minister from the state government is usually present to receive the President.Vice President C P Radhakrishnan on Saturday described the alleged lapses during President Murmu’s visit as unfortunate, saying a high constitutional office must always be accorded the dignity it deserves.Prime Minister Narendra Modi also criticised the West Bengal government, calling the incident “shameful and unprecedented” and accusing the Trinamool Congress government of insulting the President during her visit to the state.
