The Union Home Ministry has sought an urgent report from the West Bengal government over an alleged insult to President Droupadi Murmu during her visit to Darjeeling district. The ministry has directed the state’s chief secretary to submit an explanation by 5 pm on Saturday.
According to the report, an international Santhal community conference was held at Kosaipuri in Darjeeling, which the President attended. The venue was originally planned at Bidhannagar in Phansidewa, but was shifted at the last minute to Kosaipuri, where large crowds could not gather.
It was also alleged that Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and other ministers did not come to receive the President. The President was quoted as questioning why she was not allowed to come and whether the venue change was linked to any displeasure.
Following this, Prime Minister Narendra Modi accused the West Bengal government and the Trinamool Congress of insulting the President. The Home Secretary, Govind Mohan, has now asked Chief Secretary Nandini Chakravarty to clarify why the chief minister, ministers, chief secretary and DGP were absent, and to explain reported lapses such as lack of water in a toilet arranged for the President and garbage in an area prepared by the district administration.
The notice also seeks details of action taken against officials held responsible, including the Darjeeling district collector, the Siliguri police commissioner and an additional district collector, with a response required by 5 pm.
