President Droupadi Murmu and West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee (File photo) Amid a political storm over alleged “lapses” during President Droupadi Murmu’s visit to West Bengal, the Centre has asked the state government to submit a response by 5 pm on Sunday over suspected violations of protocol related to venue and route arrangements, sources told news agency PTI.In a letter to the West Bengal chief secretary, Union home secretary Govind Mohan asked the state to furnish a detailed explanation regarding alleged violations of the ‘Blue Book’ rules governing protocol, venue and route arrangements.The ‘Blue Book’ is a confidential document that outlines security and protocol rules for the President, Vice-President, Prime Minister and their families.President Murmu on Saturday expressed dismay over the low turnout at a tribal community event near Bagdogra airport and questioned the decision to shift the venue from Bidhannagar.Israel Iran WarUS-Israel-Iran War Live Updates: Third US carrier on way as Israel launches ‘extensive strikes’ on IranFresh Food Airlifted Into UAE: LuLu flies 80,000 kg of Indian produce; more imports planned‘Xi’s world order died with Khamenei’: The good, the bad, and ugly of US-Iran war for ChinaShe also noted the absence of West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee and her ministers during her visit.Highly placed sources said the communication sent to the West Bengal chief secretary also sought a response on the absence of the chief minister, the chief secretary and the director general of police at the airport to receive the President, which is considered a serious violation of the Blue Book protocol.Officials said the Centre has also taken note that only Siliguri mayor Gautam Deb was present to receive the President at the airport, which is seen as a breach of protocol.According to PTI sources, the washroom arranged for the President reportedly did not have water, for which an explanation has been sought from the state government.The state has also been asked to explain why the route chosen by the administration for ferrying the President was allegedly littered with garbage.The letter further seeks details on the action taken against the Darjeeling district magistrate, the Siliguri police commissioner and the additional district magistrate, who appear to be directly responsible for the alleged violations.President Murmu had been invited to attend the annual programme of the tribal community, which was originally scheduled to be held at Bidhannagar in Siliguri.However, citing security and logistical reasons, authorities shifted the venue to Goshaipur near Bagdogra airport, officials said.When the President arrived at the venue on Saturday afternoon, only a handful of people were present. Siliguri mayor Gautam Deb was the only representative present at the airport to receive her.“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 said.She also questioned the decision to shift the venue for the tribal community’s annual programme from Bidhannagar to Goshaipur, where the turnout was reportedly low.“Had the programme been held there (at Bidhannagar), it would have been better. There is ample space there and many people could have attended. But I do not know why the state administration did not permit the meeting there. 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.According to protocol, the chief minister or a minister from the state government is usually present to receive the President.Vice President C P Radhakrishnan on Saturday described the alleged lapses during President Murmu’s visit as unfortunate, saying a high constitutional office must always be accorded the dignity it deserves.Prime Minister Narendra Modi also criticised the West Bengal government, calling the incident “shameful and unprecedented” and accusing the Trinamool Congress government of insulting the President during her visit to the state.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. 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The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosIndia To Operationalise Integrated Theatre Commands Before CDS General Chauhan Retires: Reports”Oil Imports in Full Flow” Hardeep Puri Amid Rising Middle East TensionsWest Bengal MP Mahua Moitra Slams President Murmu Allegations, Defends State GovtPolitical Storm in Bengal: PM Modi Targets TMC, Mamata Banerjee Hits Back Over Murmu RowTMC, BJP Engage In War Of Words Over Change In Governor Ahead of Assembly ElectionsTMC RS Nominee Menaka Guruswamy Declares: ‘Shall Fight EC in Every Court’ in Fiery First SpeechNishant Kumar Will Make Political Debut On March 8, To Formally Join JD(U) After Nitish’s RS Move‘What Went Through The Administration’s Mind?’ Droupadi Murmu Flags Lapse, Mentions Mamata BanerjeeThe Khamenei’s Killer: Israeli Missile Family India Is Quietly Acquiring | WatchBJP Blasts TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee’s Shocking Remark Against CEC Gyanesh Kumar123PhotostoriesAll you need to know about Ricky Martin: The global icon who will perform at the T20 World Cup closing ceremonyR Madhavan swears by this desi breakfast which keeps him fit at 55 and it can be made under just 5 minutes!Top 5 war dramas to stream on Hulu: ‘The Pacific’, ‘Band of Brothers’, and more10 bizarre luxury car features you probably didn’t know existed6 roadside dhabas that became cult legends7 moments when karma is said to lose its power10 traditional breakfast dishes from small-town India that beat modern brunchTop 8 posh localities in Mumbai dominating the luxury real estate market’This is my final drive’: YouTuber Anurag Dobhal crashes SUV during livestream at 140 kmph; had spoken of ‘suicidal thoughts’ days earlier7-day Indian vegetarian high-protein breakfast ideas123Hot PicksMiddle East Oil RisksIran Mobile Missile LauncersDwarka ExpresswayUttam Nagar murderIncome Tax CalculatorPublic holidays March 2026Bank Holidays MarchTop TrendingFortnite Wild Weeks Power Hour EventDaksh ChaudharyUPSC ResultsMiddle East ConflictNoida AirportCody RhodesWWE Smackdown HighlightsUCEED ResultBombay High CourtWhere to watch ind vs nz t20
Amid a political storm over alleged “lapses” during President Droupadi Murmu’s visit to West Bengal, the Centre has asked the state government to submit a response by 5 pm on Sunday over suspected violations of protocol related to venue and route arrangements, sources told news agency PTI.In a letter to the West Bengal chief secretary, Union home secretary Govind Mohan asked the state to furnish a detailed explanation regarding alleged violations of the ‘Blue Book’ rules governing protocol, venue and route arrangements.The ‘Blue Book’ is a confidential document that outlines security and protocol rules for the President, Vice-President, Prime Minister and their families.President Murmu on Saturday expressed dismay over the low turnout at a tribal community event near Bagdogra airport and questioned the decision to shift the venue from Bidhannagar.She also noted the absence of West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee and her ministers during her visit.Highly placed sources said the communication sent to the West Bengal chief secretary also sought a response on the absence of the chief minister, the chief secretary and the director general of police at the airport to receive the President, which is considered a serious violation of the Blue Book protocol.Officials said the Centre has also taken note that only Siliguri mayor Gautam Deb was present to receive the President at the airport, which is seen as a breach of protocol.According to PTI sources, the washroom arranged for the President reportedly did not have water, for which an explanation has been sought from the state government.The state has also been asked to explain why the route chosen by the administration for ferrying the President was allegedly littered with garbage.The letter further seeks details on the action taken against the Darjeeling district magistrate, the Siliguri police commissioner and the additional district magistrate, who appear to be directly responsible for the alleged violations.President Murmu had been invited to attend the annual programme of the tribal community, which was originally scheduled to be held at Bidhannagar in Siliguri.However, citing security and logistical reasons, authorities shifted the venue to Goshaipur near Bagdogra airport, officials said.When the President arrived at the venue on Saturday afternoon, only a handful of people were present. Siliguri mayor Gautam Deb was the only representative present at the airport to receive her.“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 said.She also questioned the decision to shift the venue for the tribal community’s annual programme from Bidhannagar to Goshaipur, where the turnout was reportedly low.“Had the programme been held there (at Bidhannagar), it would have been better. There is ample space there and many people could have attended. But I do not know why the state administration did not permit the meeting there. 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.According to protocol, the chief minister or a minister from the state government is usually present to receive the President.Vice President C P Radhakrishnan on Saturday described the alleged lapses during President Murmu’s visit as unfortunate, saying a high constitutional office must always be accorded the dignity it deserves.Prime Minister Narendra Modi also criticised the West Bengal government, calling the incident “shameful and unprecedented” and accusing the Trinamool Congress government of insulting the President during her visit to the state.
