‘No Water In Washroom, Garbage On Road’: Centre Seeks Report From Bengal Over President's Visit

Last Updated:March 08, 2026, 12:29 IST

In a letter to the West Bengal Chief Secretary, the Union Home Secretary asked the state to explain possible violations of the rules laid out in the ‘Blue Book’.

As the row between the Centre and the West Bengal government intensifies over alleged security and protocol lapses during Droupadi Murmu’s visit to the state, Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan has sought a detailed report from the West Bengal Chief Secretary Nandini Chakravorty by 5 p.m. on Sunday, sources said.

According to sources, the Centre has asked the state government to respond to alleged violations related to protocol, venue and route arrangements during the President’s visit.

Questions over ‘Blue Book’ rules

In a letter to the West Bengal Chief Secretary, the Union Home Secretary asked the state to explain possible violations of the rules laid out in the ‘Blue Book’.

The Blue Book is a confidential document that lists the security and protocol rules for the President, Vice-President and the Prime Minister, as well as their families.

Concerns over absence of top officials in absence of CM

Sources said the Centre has sought an explanation for the absence of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, the Chief Secretary and the Director General of Police when the President arrived in the state.

According to the sources, this is considered a serious violation of the Blue Book rules.

The Centre also noted that only Gautam Deb, the Mayor of Siliguri, was present to receive the President, which officials said was a breach of protocol.

Other lapses flagged

Sources said the Centre has also asked the state government to explain why the washroom arranged for the President did not have water.

Questions have also been raised about the route taken by the President’s convoy, which sources said was littered with garbage.

The letter has also sought details about action taken against officials including the District Magistrate of Darjeeling, the Commissioner of Police in Siliguri and the Additional District Magistrate, who were seen as directly responsible for the arrangements.

Event venue shift and low turnout

President Murmu had been invited to attend the annual programme of a tribal community in Siliguri.

The event was originally scheduled to take place at Bidhannagar, but officials later shifted it to Goshaipur near Bagdogra airport citing security and logistical reasons.

When the President arrived at the venue on Saturday afternoon, only a small number of people were present. Siliguri Mayor Gautam Deb was the only representative who received her at the airport.

What President said?

During the event, President Murmu said that Mamata Banerjee was like her younger sister and added that she herself was also a daughter of Bengal.

“I do not know whether she is upset. Anyway, that does not matter. All of you stay well," she said.

She also questioned the decision to move the event venue from Bidhannagar to Goshaipur.

“Had the programme been held there, it would have been better. There is ample space there, and many people could have attended. But I do not know why the state administration did not permit the meeting there," she said.

Murmu added that the new venue made it difficult for people to attend and suggested that the state government might not want the welfare of tribal communities.

Reactions from leaders

According to protocol, the chief minister or a minister from the state government is usually present to receive the President.

Vice President C P Radhakrishnan described the lapses at the President’s event as unfortunate and said the dignity of the high constitutional office must always be respected.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also criticised the incident, calling it “shameful and unprecedented". He said the All India Trinamool Congress government in West Bengal had crossed all limits and accused it of insulting the President during her visit.

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