The Central government sought clarification from the West Bengal administration on the lapses in the protocol during President Draupadi Murmu’s visit to attend a tribal conference in West Bengal on Saturday, with Union Home Minister Govind Mohan asking the West Bengal chief secretary to submit a detailed report by 5 pm on Sunday.
The report was requested in connection with non-following the scheduled protocol for the President’s reception, last-minute change of venue of the International Santal Conference, change of itinerary, and other logistical arrangements during her visit.
The move comes a day after President Murmu publicly expressed his disappointment with the West Bengal government over the arrangements made for the event. She also raised concerns over the decision to change the venue of the International Santal Conference in Darjeeling district and the absence of state ministers to receive it.
Originally, the conference was scheduled to be held in Bidhannagar under the Fansidwa Building in Darjeeling district. However, the state government shifted the venue of the conference to Gosainpur in Bagdogra district, located on the outskirts of Siliguri in the same district.
After attending the conference in Gosainpur, President Murmu traveled nearly 30 km to Bidhannagar, where she addressed residents and expressed her displeasure over the change of venue.
She suggested that the original venue in Bidhannagar had enough space to accommodate a large gathering and questioned the rationale behind changing the event.
Speaking on the occasion, the President said that the vast space in Bidhannagar could have easily accommodated a gathering of a large number of people. She added that many members of the Santal community were unable to attend the conference because it was held far from their area.
Murmu also expressed concern over the absence of state government representatives during her visit.
Referring to the customary protocol followed during presidential visits, she noted that the Prime Minister and Ministers of State usually receive the President.
On a personal note, she said that although she considers herself a ‘daughter of Bengal’, she is not sure why the situation has arisen and whether there is any discontent on the part of the state’s leadership.
The Union Home Ministry took note of the President’s remarks and the Home Minister asked the West Bengal government to clarify the circumstances that led to the changes in venue and the alleged deviation from established protocol during the high-profile event.
President Draupadi Murmu on Saturday expressed disappointment over the arrangements made for the 9th International Santal Congress, questioned the choice of venue and expressed sadness that many members of the Santal community were unable to attend the event. She also noted the absence of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.
The President questioned the choice of venue for the event and said she was saddened that many members of the Santal community were unable to attend the programme. She also pointed out Mamata Banerjee’s absence from the conference.
“Today was the International Santal Congress. When I came here after attending it, I realized that it would have been better if it had been held here, because the area is very vast. I don’t know what the administration had in mind. They said the place was crowded, but I think five thousand people could easily gather here,” the president said.
The President also commented on the absence of state leadership, saying that it is usual for senior state officials to be present during a presidential visit. “If the president visits a place, the prime minister and ministers should also come. But she did not do that,” Murmu said, referring to Banerjee.
President Murmu added that she considers herself closely linked to the state. “I am also a daughter of Bengal. Mamata Didi is also my sister, my younger sister. I don’t know if she is angry with me, that’s why this happened,” she said.
