Bengal sends report to Centre, denies 'protocol breach' during President Murmu’s Bengal visit

The West Bengal government has submitted its response to the Union Ministry of Home Affairs over alleged protocol violations during President Droupadi Murmu’s recent visit to North Bengal, asserting that all prescribed procedures were followed.

According to officials, the Home Ministry had sought a clarification from the office of Chief Secretary Nandini Chakraborty on Sunday morning and set a deadline of 5 pm the same day for the response. The state administration subsequently sent a detailed report addressing the issues raised by the Centre.

An official at the state secretariat said the reply included point-by-point explanations on the protocol-related questions raised by the ministry, though the contents of the report have not been made public. The state government has maintained that local officials adhered to established protocol during the President’s visit.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee earlier stated that the President was received at Bagdogra Airport according to protocol. She said the Siliguri Municipal Corporation mayor, the Darjeeling district magistrate and the commissioner of Siliguri Metropolitan Police were present to welcome the President upon her arrival.

The controversy began after President Murmu reportedly expressed mild displeasure during the visit, noting that neither the Chief Minister nor any member of her cabinet met her during the trip, which she said was not in line with traditional protocol. The remarks triggered a political exchange between the ruling Trinamool Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party before the Home Ministry sought a clarification from the state government.