The Union government on Sunday sought an explanation from the West Bengal government over alleged violations of rules related to protocol, venue and route arrangements during President Droupadi Murmu’s visit to the state on Saturday, according to sources. The Centre asked the state government to submit its response by 5 pm on Sunday regarding the matter.

Sources from the state secretariat said that a report had already been sent to the Centre. However, no official public statement had been made regarding the issue at the time of filing the report.

Meanwhile, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said that she respects the office of the President and clarified that the President’s programme was under the jurisdiction of the Airports Authority of India. She also said that the Siliguri Mayor was present to receive the President and that the West Bengal government was not a stakeholder in the programme.

According to officials, the Union Home Secretary sent a letter to the West Bengal chief secretary asking him to provide a response regarding violations of the “Blue Book” rules related to protocol, venue and route arrangements during the President’s visit.

The “Blue Book” is a confidential document that contains detailed rules for the security and protocol arrangements for the President, Vice-President and Prime Minister, as well as their family members. These rules are meant to ensure proper security and coordination during official visits.

Officials said the communication sent to the West Bengal chief secretary specifically asked for clarification regarding the absence of key state officials when the President arrived in the state. According to the rules mentioned in the Blue Book, the chief minister, chief secretary and the director general of police are expected to be present to receive the President on arrival.

However, officials noted that none of these officials were present when the President arrived. Instead, only the Siliguri Mayor was present to receive her. Officials described this as a violation of the Blue Book rules related to protocol.

The Centre has also raised concerns about certain arrangements made during the President’s visit. Officials said that the washroom arranged for the President reportedly did not have water, and the state government has been asked to explain the reason for this lapse.

Another issue mentioned in the letter was the condition of the route chosen by the administration for the President’s movement. According to officials, the road used for ferrying the President was reportedly littered with garbage. The Centre has asked the state administration to explain why the route was in such a condition during the visit.

The communication also asked the state government to provide details about the action taken against officials who were responsible for these arrangements. The letter sought information on action taken against the Darjeeling District Magistrate, the Commissioner of Police in Siliguri and the Additional District Magistrate, who appear to be directly responsible for the alleged violations.

Responding to the controversy, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said the programme attended by the President was not organised by the state government.

“The programme was not organised by us. It was organised by a private organisation. It was not a state government programme. I have responded to it in my social media handle,” Banerjee said from her dharna manch in Kolkata.

She also said that despite concerns that the private organisation might not be able to conduct the programme, the President accepted the invitation.

“Despite highlighting that the private organisation may not be able to hold the programme, the President accepted the invitation by exercising her choice,” Banerjee said.

The President had been invited to attend the annual programme of a tribal community in the region. The event was initially scheduled to be held at Bidhannagar in Siliguri. However, officials said the venue was later shifted to Goshaipur near Bagdogra airport due to security and logistical reasons.

At the time the report was filed, the West Bengal government’s detailed response to the Centre was not publicly known.