KOLKATA — The West Bengal government has formally submitted a detailed report to the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) explaining the circumstances surrounding an alleged breach of protocol during President Droupadi Murmu’s visit to Siliguri on March 7. State Chief Secretary Nandini Chakraborty sent the communique to Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan on Monday, March 9, 2026, supported by documents detailing the administrative sequence of events during the President’s stay.
The report addresses the specific concerns raised by the Centre regarding the absence of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, the Chief Secretary, and the Director General of Police (DGP) upon the President’s arrival. According to the “Blue Book”—the confidential manual governing the security and protocol for India’s highest constitutional dignitaries—the presence of these top officials is mandatory. Sources indicate the state’s response places on record the administrative decisions taken at every stage and provides a specific explanation for the Chief Minister’s absence from the official programme.
A significant portion of the report is dedicated to the decision to change the venue of the International Indigenous and Santhal Conference, which the President attended. The state government has reportedly clarified the logistical and security reasons that necessitated this last-minute shift. The MHA had sought this clarification following allegations that the deviation from the pre-approved itinerary constituted a serious violation of established protocol.
While the “Blue Book” rules are strictly enforced for the safety and dignity of the President, Vice-President, and Prime Minister, this recent friction between the Centre and the state has once again highlighted the delicate nature of federal-state coordination during high-profile visits. Senior officials in Kolkata maintained that all necessary precautions were followed, and the report aims to clear any “misunderstandings” regarding the administrative handling of the visit.
