New Delhi
A day after a row erupted over alleged lapses at President Droupadi Murmu’s event in West Bengal, the Centre has sought a response from the Mamata Banerjee government by 5 pm on Sunday over the violations of the rules related to protocol, venue and route arrangements during the visit.
In a letter to West Bengal Chief Secretary, the Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan has asked him to furnish a response on the violations of the ‘Blue Book’ rules of protocol, venue and route arrangements.
The ‘Blue Book’ is a confidential document which lists out rules for the security and protocol for the President, Vice-President and the Prime Minister and their families.
The President had on Saturday expressed dismay over a low turnout at the 9th International Santal Conference near Bagdogra airport, and questioned the decision to shift the venue from Bidhannagar.
She had also expressed her strong displeasure over the absence of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and her Ministers during her visit.
According to protocol, the Chief Minister or a Minister in the State government is usually present to receive the President. Mamata is on a sit-in protest against the Election Commission’s Special Intensive Revision exercise
The communique sent to the West Bengal Chief Secretary sought a response to the absence of the Chief Minister, the Chief Secretary and the DGP to receive the President on her arrival to the State which is a serious violation of the Blue Book rules.
The Centre has taken note of the fact that only the Siliguri Mayor was present to receive her which is a violation of protocol, news agency PTI quoted officials as having said.
According to sources, the washroom set up for the President also did not have water for which an explanation has been sought from the State government. It has even been asked to explain why the route chosen by the administration for ferrying the President was littered with garbage, they said.
The letter seeks to know about the action taken against District Magistrate Darjeeling, Commissioner of Police Siliguri and Additional District Magistrate who seems to be directly responsible for such violations.
Murmu had been invited to the Santal Conference, which was originally scheduled to be held at Bidhannagar in Siliguri. However, citing security and other logistical reasons, authorities shifted the venue to Goshaipur near the Bagdogra airport, officials said.
When the President arrived at the venue on Saturday afternoon, only a handful of people, including Siliguri Mayor Gautam Deb, were present.
“Mamata Banerjee is like my younger sister. I am also a daughter of Bengal. I do not know whether she is upset. Anyway, that does not matter. All of you stay well,” the President had said.
Murmu also questioned the change of venue for the Conference from Bidhannagar to Goshaipur, where the turnout was reportedly low. “Today’s programme is being held at such a place that it is difficult for people to come here. Perhaps the state government does not want the welfare of tribals, and that is why they were prevented from coming here,” Murmu said.
But she made it a point to visit Bidhannagar later and see for herself. She remarked: “Had the programme been held here (at Bidhannagar), it would have been better. There is ample space here, and many people could have attended. But I do not know why the state administration did not permit the meeting here? It has made me very sad.”
While Prime Minister Narendra Modi termed the developments shameful and unprecedented. Vice President C P Radhakrishnan described it as unfortunate, saying the high constitutional office must always get the dignity it deserves. Mamata hit back asking the President not to play politics on the advise of the BJP.
