Kolkata: The Ministry of Home Affairs has taken a strict stance over mismanagement during the recent West Bengal visit of President Droupadi Murmu. Holding officials responsible for the incident, the ministry directed action against the District Magistrate of Darjeeling and the Police Commissioner of Siliguri.
Following this, Darjeeling District Magistrate Manish Mishra has been removed from his post.
According to reports, during the President’s 7 March visit to North Bengal, the venue of a program in Siliguri was suddenly changed, which allegedly led to a protocol violation. Taking the matter seriously, the Home Ministry recommended removal of C. Sudhakar (Police Commissioner, Siliguri) and Manish Mishra (DM, Darjeeling).
The state secretariat Nabanna partially implemented the recommendation by appointing Manish Mishra as Special Secretary in the Home and Hill Affairs Department, while Sunil Agarwal has been appointed as the new District Magistrate of Darjeeling.
However, Siliguri Police Commissioner C. Sudhakar has not yet been removed. Reports suggest that since the issue surfaced just before a possible Assembly election announcement in the state, the state government is proceeding cautiously.
President Had Expressed Displeasure Over Venue Change
On 7 March, President Droupadi Murmu had reached Siliguri to attend the 9th conference of the International Tribal and Santhal Council. Initially, the event was scheduled to be held at Santosini School Ground in Bidhannagar, but it was later shifted to Gosaipur in Bagdogra for security reasons.
During the conference, the President expressed displeasure from the stage itself over the change of venue. Later, after reaching Bidhannagar, she again raised objections to the decision.
Centre Sought Report
After the incident, the Ministry of Home Affairs wrote to West Bengal Chief Secretary Nandini Chakraborty, asking for a detailed report within 24 hours. Unsatisfied with the state government’s report, the Centre directed that the concerned officers be sent on central deputation.
The issue has also triggered political reactions. Shankar Ghosh said that insulting the President is an insult to the entire nation and demanded a fair investigation. Meanwhile, Siliguri Mayor Gautam Deb said that the state leadership will clarify its stand on the matter.
