Centre seeks Bengal’s response over ‘protocol violations’ during President Murmu’s visit
In a letter to the West Bengal chief secretary, Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan has asked the state to explain lapses related to protocol, venue and route arrangements governed by the confidential ‘Blue Book’.
The ‘Blue Book’ lays down rules for security and protocol for the President, Vice-President and Prime Minister and their families.
According to the report, the Centre has sought clarification on the absence of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, the chief secretary and the director general of police when the President arrived in the state. Officials noted that only Siliguri Mayor Gautam Deb was present at the airport to receive her, which they described as a violation of protocol.
The letter also asked the state government to explain other issues, including the lack of water in the washroom arranged for the President and the condition of the route used to ferry her, which was reportedly littered with garbage, the report said.
The Centre has further sought details on action taken against the Darjeeling district magistrate, the Siliguri police commissioner and the additional district magistrate, who are believed to be responsible for the alleged lapses.
President Murmu had travelled to attend the annual programme of a tribal community near Bagdogra airport. The event was initially scheduled to be held at Bidhannagar in Siliguri but was later shifted to Goshaipur citing security and logistical reasons.When the President arrived at the venue on Saturday, the turnout was reportedly low. During the event, Murmu expressed disappointment over the attendance and questioned the decision to change the venue.
According to protocol, the chief minister or a minister from the state government is usually present to receive the President.
The issue has triggered political reactions. Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar described the reported lapses as unfortunate and said the highest constitutional office must always be accorded due dignity.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also criticised the incident, calling it “shameful and unprecedented”.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi also expressed concern over the alleged protocol violations. Bahujan Samaj Party chief Mayawati said the dignity of the President’s office must be respected and urged that constitutional positions should not be politicised, PTI reported.
Post Comment