‘No water in washroom, garbage on road’; Centre seeks report on alleged lapses during President’s trip

NEW DELHI: The union home ministry is planning to take strict action against the West Bengal government over the unfortunate incident that happened to President Droupadi Murmu during her visit to the state. The union home secretary has asked the state chief secretary to give an explanation by 5 pm today. The Center has sought an explanation on issues including the absence of the chief minister or the chief secretary to receive the President.

Why did the chief minister, chief secretary or DGP were not present to receive or see off the President? There was no water in the washroom arranged for the President, route chosen by the administration was laden with garbage, the district magistrate, Darjeeling, the Commissioner of Police, Siliguri and the Additional District Magistrate are responsible. What action was taken against them. The Center has sought an explanation on these issues.

The President had directly expressed dissatisfaction with the arrangements for the International Santal Conference in Siliguri. 'Mamata Banerjee is like my sister. I am also a daughter of Bengal. I wonder why the chief minister did not meet her during her visit. The event was shifted to a place where it is difficult for people to come,' said the President.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the incident as shameful and unprecedented. The pain and anguish expressed by Rashtrapati Ji, who herself hails from a tribal community, has caused immense sadness in the minds of the people of India. The TMC Government of West Bengal has truly crossed all limits. Their administration is responsible for this insult to the President.

Meantime, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee hit back, saying that the BJP is misusing the President's post for political gains. Mamata clarified that the chief minister's name was not in the list approved by the President's Secretariat and that is why she did not attend. She added that she had earlier informed the organizers in writing about the shortcomings.

The political battle between the BJP and the Trinamool in Bengal ahead of the upcoming assembly elections has taken a new level. Trinamool General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee responded that they will fight strongly even if the entire system is aligned against Bengal.