The issue of violation of protocol rules during President Draupadi Murmu’s visit to West Bengal is gaining momentum. The Central Government has sought a detailed reply in this regard from the State Government. According to sources, a reply has been sought from the West Bengal government by 5 pm on Sunday on the alleged violation of rules related to protocol, venue and route arrangements during the President’s visit.
Action from Home Ministry
The Union Home Secretary has written a letter to the Chief Secretary of West Bengal seeking answers on the violation of the rules mentioned in the “Blue Book”. The “Blue Book” is a confidential document containing rules and regulations relating to the security and protocol of important persons such as the President, Vice President and Prime Minister.
President expressed concern
President Murmu had expressed concern over the low number of people at a tribal community event near Bagdogra airport on Saturday. He had also raised questions on the decision to change the venue of the program from Bidhannagar. The President also noted that West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and her ministers were not present during his visit.
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serious breach of protocol
According to sources, the central government has also taken note of the fact that senior officials like the Chief Minister, Chief Secretary and Director General of Police not being present to welcome the President on his arrival in the state is a serious violation of the “Blue Book” norms. The presence of only the Mayor of Siliguri to welcome the President is also considered against protocol.
Apart from this, clarification has also been sought from the state government on issues like lack of water in the washroom built for the President and garbage on the route through which he passes. The letter also sought information about the action taken against responsible officials like the District Magistrate of Darjeeling, Police Commissioner of Siliguri and Additional District Magistrate.
Know what is the matter?
The President was to attend the annual program of the tribal community, which was earlier scheduled to be held in Bidhannagar, Siliguri. However, citing security and other reasons, the authorities had changed the venue to Goshaipur near Bagdogra Airport. Due to this change, the attendance of people at the venue remained very less.
The President himself expressed his unhappiness over this change and said that it would have been better if the program was held in Bidhannagar, because more people were likely to come there. He also said that he did not know whether the state government was in favor of the welfare of the tribal community or not.