Protocol lapses at President event: Centre seeks response from West Bengal government

Amid a row over “lapses” at President Droupadi Murmu’s event in West Bengal, the Centre has sought a response from the State government by 5 p.m. on Sunday (March 8, 2026) over the “violations” of the rules related to protocol, venue and route arrangements during the visit, sources said.

In a letter to West Bengal Chief Secretary, Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan seeks a report from West Bengal Chief Secretary over violation of the ‘Blue Book’ rules of protocol, venue and route arrangements, a government source said. The Chief Secretary has been asked to send the report by 5 p.m.

The ‘Blue Book’ is a confidential document which lists out rules for the security and protocol for the President, Vice-President, the Prime Minister and their families.

President Droupadi Murmu on Saturday (March 7, 2026) expressed disappointment with the State government for changing the venue of the International Santal Conference in Darjeeling district and not adhering to the desired protocol to receive her at the event.

She also noted the absence of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and her Ministers during her visit, and the low audience turnout. Siliguri Mayor Gautam Deb was the only representative present at the airport to receive her. According to protocol, the Chief Minister or a Minister of the State government is usually present to receive the President.

The State government had changed the venue of the conference from Bidhannagar in Darjeeling district to Gossainpur in Bagdogra area located on the outskirts of Siliguri in the same district.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Bannerjee, responding to the issue, said that the President was received and seen off by the Mayor of Siliguri Municipal Corporation, DM Darjeeling and CP Siliguri Police Commissionerate strictly as per the approved lineup shared by the President’s Secretariat. She said that the organiser appeared inadequately prepared. “No protocol lapse happened on part of district administration,” she posted on X.