Centre seeks report from Bengal over protocol lapses during President Murmu’s visit

The Central government has sought an explanation from the West Bengal administration over lapses in the protocol during the visit of President Droupadi Murmu to attend a tribal conference in West Bengal on Saturday.

Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan has asked the state Chief Secretary to submit a detailed report by 5 pm today regarding lapses in the prescribed protocol for receiving President Droupadi Murmu. The report also needs to list out reasons for the change of venue of the International Santal Conference in the Darjeeling district, and other related arrangements, according to the officials.

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On Saturday, President Murmu expressed disappointment over the arrangements made at the 9th International Santal Conference held in West Bengal and the absence of the Chief Minister. She said that the event earlier scheduled to be held in Bidhannagar but later moved to another venue in Goshaipur near the Bagdogra Airport, citing congestion had left her “sad and upset”.

“I don’t know what went through the administration’s mind that they chose a place for the conference where the Santal people couldn’t go… I am very sad that the people here were unable to reach the conference because it was held so far away. Perhaps the administration had hoped that no one would be able to attend, and the President would simply turn around and leave,” Murmu said.

Reacting to President Murmu’s remarks, PM Modi said the incident was “shameful and unprecedented” and had deeply saddened people across the country.

“This is shameful and unprecedented. Everyone who believes in democracy and the empowerment of tribal communities is disheartened. The pain and anguish expressed by Rashtrapati Ji, who herself hails from a tribal community, has caused immense sadness in the minds of the people of India,” PM Modi posted on X

(With inputs from ANI)