The Impressive TimesNew Delhi, March 8: The Union government has taken note of an alleged breach of protocol during the recent visit of President Droupadi Murmu to West Bengal and has sought an explanation from the state administration. The Ministry of Home Affairs (India) has reportedly asked the state’s Chief Secretary to submit a detailed report on the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The issue surfaced during the President’s trip to North Bengal, where she attended the 9th International Santali Conference in Darjeeling district as the chief guest. The event had originally been planned at Bidhannagar in the Phansidewa block, a location considered capable of accommodating a large gathering from the Santali tribal community.
However, state authorities later shifted the programme venue to an area near Bagdogra Airport, citing security arrangements, crowd management concerns and logistical reasons. According to reports, the last-minute change drew attention because the new venue had comparatively limited space, which prevented many people from attending the event.
During her address, President Murmu reportedly expressed disappointment over the venue change and remarked that the smaller location restricted public participation. She also made a personal remark referring to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee as her “younger sister,” while questioning whether the state leadership was upset with her, noting that neither the Chief Minister nor any senior minister was present at the programme.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah strongly criticised the incident on social media, describing the situation as inappropriate and stating that such actions undermine the dignity of the constitutional office of the President.
The Centre has indicated that it is examining the matter carefully and has asked the West Bengal government to clarify the sequence of decisions that led to the change in venue and the alleged protocol concerns during the President’s visit.
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