New Delhi, March 8 Amid a controversy over "oversights" at President Droupadi Murmu's event in West Bengal, the Centre has sought a response from the state government by 5 pm on Sunday regarding the "violations" of the rules related to protocol, venue, and route arrangements during her visit, sources said.
In a letter to the West Bengal chief secretary, the Union home secretary has requested him to provide a response on the violations of the 'Blue Book' rules concerning protocol, venue, and route arrangements.
The 'Blue Book' is a confidential document that lists the rules for the security and protocol of the President, Vice-President, and the Prime Minister and their families.
President Murmu expressed dismay on Saturday over the low turnout at a tribal community event near Bagdogra airport and questioned the decision to shift the venue from Bidhannagar.
She also noted the absence of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and her ministers during her visit.
Highly placed sources said the communication sent to the West Bengal chief secretary sought a response regarding the absence of the chief minister, the chief secretary, and the DGP who were supposed to receive the President upon her arrival in the state, which constitutes a serious violation of the 'Blue Book' rules.
The Centre has noted that only the Siliguri Mayor was present to receive her, which is a violation of protocol, they said.
Sources also stated that the restroom facility set up for the President was without water, and an explanation has been sought from the state government.
The state has been asked to explain why the route chosen by the administration to transport the President was littered with garbage.
The letter seeks clarification on the actions taken against the District Magistrate of Darjeeling, the Commissioner of Police of Siliguri, and the Additional District Magistrate, who appear to be directly responsible for these violations.
President Murmu had been invited to the annual programme of the tribal community, which was originally scheduled to be held at Bidhannagar in Siliguri.
However, citing security and other logistical reasons, authorities shifted the venue to Goshaipur near the Bagdogra airport, officials said.
When the President arrived at the venue on Saturday afternoon, only a handful of people were present. Gautam Deb, the Mayor of Siliguri, was the only representative present at the airport to receive her.
"Mamata Banerjee is like my younger sister. I am also a daughter of Bengal. I don't know if she is upset. Anyway, that doesn't matter. All of you stay well," the President had said.
She also questioned the change of venue for the tribal community's annual programme from Bidhannagar to Goshaipur, where the turnout was reportedly low.
"If the programme had been held there (at Bidhannagar), it would have been better. There is ample space there, and many people could have attended. But I don't know why the state administration did not permit the meeting there. The programme is being held at a place that makes it difficult for people to come here. Perhaps the state government doesn't want the welfare of the tribals, and that is why they were prevented from coming here," Murmu said.
According to protocol, the chief minister or a minister of the state government is usually present to receive the President.
Vice President C P Radhakrishnan on Saturday described the "oversights" in President Murmu's event in West Bengal as unfortunate, saying the high constitutional office must always receive the respect it deserves.
Accusing the West Bengal government of disrespecting President Murmu during her visit to the state, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said it was "shameful and unprecedented" and the TMC dispensation has "truly crossed all limits"