Centre Seeks Explanation from Bengal Over Arrangements During President Murmu’s Visit

Questions have been raised over the arrangements during President Droupadi Murmu’s visit to North Bengal on Saturday to attend the 9th International Santal Conference. Taking note of the issue, the Centre has asked the West Bengal government to submit an explanation. Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan directed the state’s Chief Secretary to provide a detailed report by 5 PM on Sunday, focusing on matters related to protocol, logistics and the last-minute changes made to the programme.

The event was originally planned to take place in Bidhannagar under the Phansidewa block, but it was later shifted to Gossainpur in the Bagdogra area near Siliguri. After attending the conference there, the President travelled nearly 30 kilometres to Bidhannagar, where she interacted with local residents. During her address, Murmu questioned why the programme venue had been relocated despite the original site having enough space to accommodate a large gathering. She also pointed out that several members of the Santal community might have been unable to attend because of the change. Referring to herself as a “daughter of Bengal,” she also mentioned that Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee was not present and said she did not know what circumstances led to the situation.