West Bengal government sent clarification to Home Ministry regarding protocol dispute on President’s visit to North Bengal.

By Samira Vishwas On Mar 9, 2026

Kolkata. The West Bengal government has sent a clarification report to the Union Home Ministry, sought over allegations of protocol violations during President Draupadi Murmu’s recent visit to North Bengal. The state government denied any lapse, saying local authorities followed all prescribed procedures.

Home Ministry had asked for report-
According to sources, the Home Ministry sought a report from the office of state Chief Secretary Nandini Chakraborty on Sunday morning and set a deadline of 5 pm the same day to respond. An official of the state secretariat said that a detailed report has been sent to the ministry, in which step by step clarification has been given on all the points related to the protocol.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s stance-
Earlier, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had said that when the President reached Bagdogra airport, he was welcomed as per protocol. According to the Chief Minister, Siliguri Municipal Corporation Mayor Gautam Dev, Darjeeling District Magistrate and Siliguri Metropolitan Police Commissioner were present. He also said that there was no prior plan to welcome him as the Chief Minister or to be present on the stage, hence the question of protocol violation did not arise.

Changes and controversies in the tour-
President Murmu was originally scheduled to reach North Bengal on Friday afternoon, but the program was postponed and concluded around 11:30 am on Saturday. Their tribal venue in the Phansidewa area of Darjeeling district was later changed to Gosaipur. There was controversy over this change and the President also expressed mild displeasure at the state administration. He said that Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is like a younger sister to him, but neither the Chief Minister nor any member of his cabinet met him during his visit to the state, as was expected as per traditional protocol.

After this statement of the President, allegations and counter-allegations started between BJP leaders and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, after which the Home Ministry sought clarification from the state government on Sunday morning.