The Union Home Ministry has officially sought a detailed report from the Mamata Banerjee-led West Bengal government regarding alleged protocol violations during President Droupadi Murmu's recent visit to the state. The Union Home Secretary has addressed a formal communication to the West Bengal Chief Secretary, expressing serious concern over the sequence of events in Siliguri. The central government has demanded an explanation as to why established protocol standards weren't maintained and what necessitated the sudden changes in the scheduled program.
Home Ministry Inquiry and Deadline
In the letter dispatched by the Union Home Secretary, the central government has requested a point-by-point account of the events that transpired during the President's visit. The state government has been directed to submit this comprehensive report by 5:00 PM today. The inquiry specifically focuses on the reasons behind the perceived administrative lapses and the lack of coordination between the state machinery and the President's secretariat. According to officials, the Ministry is investigating whether the deviations from the standard operating procedure were avoidable.
Controversy Over Venue Relocation
President Droupadi Murmu attended the 9th International Santal Conference as the chief guest in Siliguri, Darjeeling district, on March 7, 2026. The event was originally scheduled to take place in Bidhannagar, a location capable of accommodating a large gathering. However, the state administration reportedly denied permission for the original venue, citing security concerns and crowd management issues, while consequently, the conference was shifted to Goshaipur. The Centre has sought clarification on why the permission was withheld and why an alternative arrangement was made at the eleventh hour.
Alleged Violation of Presidential Protocol
According to established diplomatic and state protocols, the Chief Minister or a designated senior minister of the state must be present to receive the President during an official visit, while in this instance, it has been reported that neither Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee nor any senior state minister was present to welcome the President. During the event, the President noted the absence and addressed the Chief Minister as a 'younger sister,' questioning if there was any displeasure. The President also remarked on the difficulties faced regarding the venue despite her personal connection to the state.
Political Escalation and Party Stances
The incident has triggered a sharp political confrontation between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Trinamool Congress (TMC). Prime Minister Narendra Modi has termed the incident an insult to the constitutional office of the President and the tribal community. The BJP has alleged a deliberate conspiracy by the state government to undermine the visit. Conversely, the TMC has defended its position, stating that the event was organized by a private body, the International Santal Council, and So didn't necessitate the Chief Minister's presence under official protocol. The party maintained that the state government holds the highest regard for the President.
Administrative Security and Rationale
State administration officials have maintained that all decisions regarding the venue were based on ground-level security assessments in Siliguri. The TMC leadership asserted that the state provided all necessary logistical support and security cover for the President's movement. However, the Union Home Ministry's inquiry seeks to determine if these security justifications align with the standard protocols governing the movement of the Head of State. The report expected by this evening is anticipated to provide the state's formal justification for the administrative decisions taken during the visit.