National Desk : Voice of Calcutta

Centre Seeks Report from West Bengal Over Controversy During President’s Visit

The Union Ministry of Home Affairs has sought a detailed report from the West Bengal government following controversy surrounding the recent visit of President Droupadi Murmu to North Bengal.

According to official sources, Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan sent a communication to West Bengal Chief Secretary Nandini Chakraborty on Sunday morning. The state administration has been asked to submit a written account of the events that took place during the President’s visit on Saturday, including the measures taken by the local administration.

President Murmu had travelled to North Bengal to attend an event organised by representatives of the tribal community. As per the original schedule, she was expected to participate in the International Santali Conference at Bidhannagar in the Phansi dewa area.

However, the venue of the programme was later changed due to security-related concerns. Following the change, the President joined the conference virtually from Gosainpur near Siliguri.

Later, President Murmu also visited Bidhannagar, where the event was initially scheduled to take place. During her address there, she referred to the change of venue and remarked that Chief Ministers are generally present during the President’s visit to a state.

The remarks triggered political reactions. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee later stated that the programme had been organised by a private body and that the state administration had already communicated certain logistical concerns to the President’s Secretariat in advance. She maintained that no protocol had been violated during the visit.

The issue also drew responses from leaders of the Bharatiya Janata Party. Prime Minister Narendra Modi commented on social media that the office of the President holds the highest constitutional dignity and that its respect must be upheld.

State government sources, meanwhile, said that local officials and elected representatives were present to receive the President during the visit. Some documents related to the arrangements for the programme were also made public by the state administration.

Amid the continuing debate over the incident, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, headed by Home Minister Amit Shah, has asked the West Bengal government to submit a comprehensive report detailing the sequence of events.

National Desk : Voice of Calcutta