The Union Ministry of Home Affairs has requested a report from the West Bengal government led by Mamata Banerjee regarding protocol breaches during President Droupadi Murmu’s recent visit to the state. President Murmu, who attended the International Santal Conclave Gossaipur in Darjeeling as the Chief Guest and main speaker, faced issues related to the event’s venue change.
Sources from the state secretariat Nabanna revealed that the MHA inquiry questioned the state administration’s decision to deny the conclave organizers their chosen venue and the last-minute alteration of the event location. The Chief Secretary, Nandini Chakraborty, has been instructed to respond to the MHA’s communication by Sunday evening.
The state government is expected to provide explanations for the venue change and the circumstances surrounding the President’s delayed arrival in North Bengal. President Murmu expressed dissatisfaction over the venue alteration and highlighted the absence of customary meetings with the Chief Minister or her Cabinet colleagues during her visit, sparking a political debate.
In response to the ensuing controversy, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and others criticized the Mamata government, while the Chief Minister defended her administration against allegations of protocol breaches. Amid escalating tensions, Mamata accused the BJP of exploiting national positions for partisan interests.
