Mamata absent, no water in Murmu president’s toilet, garbage on road: Centre, Bengal govt in row over ‘missteps’ at Santal event

Amid the political storm triggered by alleged “missteps” during President Droupadi Murmu’s visit to West Bengal, the Center has asked the state government to respond by 5 pm on Sunday over the alleged violation of protocols related to venue and route arrangements, sources told Press Trust of India (PTI).In a letter to the West Bengal Chief Secretary, Union Home Minister Govind Mohan asked the state to provide a detailed explanation for the alleged violation of the “Blue Book” rules on etiquette, venue and routing.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 disappointment at the low attendance at a tribal community event near Bagdogra airport and questioned the decision to shift the venue from Bidar Nagar.She also pointed out the absence of the West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and ministers during her visit.Highly placed sources said the letter sent to the West Bengal chief secretary also sought response over the absence of the chief minister, chief secretary and police chief to greet the president at the airport, which was considered a serious violation of the Blue Book protocol.The Center also noted that only Siliguri Mayor Gautam Deb came to the airport to greet the President, which was considered a breach of etiquette, officials said.According to Press Trust of India sources, the toilet arranged for the President was said to have no water and an explanation has been sought from the state government.The state has also been asked to explain why the route chosen by the government to transport the president was allegedly littered with trash.The letter also sought details of action taken against the Darjeeling district magistrate, Siliguri police commissioner and another district magistrate, who appear to be directly responsible for the alleged violations.President Murmu was invited to attend the annual function of the tribal community, which was scheduled to be held at Bidhan Nagar in Siliguri.However, the authorities shifted the location to Ghoshpur near Bagdogra airport for security and logistical reasons, officials said.When the president arrived at the venue Saturday afternoon, only a handful of people were present. Siliguri Mayor Gautam Deb was the only representative to greet her at the airport.“Mamata Banerjee is like a sister to me. I am also a daughter of Bengal. I don’t know if she is upset. Anyway, it doesn’t matter. You all stay healthy,” the President said.She also questioned the decision to shift the venue of the tribal community’s annual event from Bidhan Nagar to Ghoshpur, where low turnout was reported.“It would have been better if the program was held there (Bidhangarh). There is enough space there for many people to attend. But I don’t know why the state administration does not allow meetings to be held there. Today’s show is held in a place where it’s hard for people to come here. Maybe the state government doesn’t want the welfare of tribals and that’s why they are prevented from coming here,” Murmu said.According to protocol, the chief minister or a state government minister is usually present to receive the president.Vice President Radhakrishnan on Saturday termed the alleged blunders during President Murmu’s visit as regrettable and said high constitutional posts must always be treated with due dignity.Prime Minister Narendra Modi It also criticized the West Bengal government, calling the incident “shameful and unprecedented” and accused the Trinamool Congress government of insulting the president during his visit to the state.