Dispute intensifies between Center and Mamata government regarding Central deputation of Darjeeling DM, issue of disrespect to President Murmu heated up

Tezzbuzz Desk – The dispute between the central and state governments has increased in West Bengal over the disrespect of President Draupadi Murmu. This matter came into limelight before Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Bengal. The Union Home Ministry sent a letter to the state government seeking a response within three days for sending Darjeeling District Magistrate (DM) Manish Mishra and Siliguri Police Commissionerate’s Commissionerate Police (CP) officer on central deputation.

Deputation and transfer of officers

However, Mamata Banerjee’s government transferred Manish Mishra from Darjeeling and appointed him Special Secretary in the Home Department. Sunil Aggarwal was made the new District Magistrate in his place. The Center said that DM Manish Mishra was in-charge of the President’s visit and he was called on central deputation after irregularities in security and protocol came to light.

According to the Union Home Ministry, it is the right of the Center to control the cadre of IPS and IAS officers and if the state government refuses to send an officer on deputation, then that officer can be debarred from central deputation for 5 years. Central deputation of at least 2 years is required for IPS officers of 2011 batch or later.

Controversy in President’s program

President Draupadi Murmu had gone to Siliguri on March 7 to attend the International Tribal Conference. His event was shifted from Bidhannagar to Gonsaipur near Bagdogra, which angered the President. She said that she wanted to hold the meeting in Bidhannagar itself, but the state government did not allow it.

Regarding this matter, BJP alleged that the state government has disrespected the President. Prime Minister Modi and central leaders have also criticized the TMC government on this.

Trinamool’s counterattack

Trinamool Congress has been seeking time to meet the President and tried to present a report on the work done for the tribal community. However, Rashtrapati Bhavan has not yet accepted his appointment request. Trinamool is going to send the third letter next week.