‘No Water In Washroom, Garbage On Road’: Centre vs Bengal Over President Trip

Amid the blame game over President Droupadi Murmu’s visit to West Bengal, Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan has sought a report from the state’s Chief Secretary Nandini Chakravorty on alleged lapses during the President’s event.

According to sources, the Union Home Secretary has flagged four points: 1) Why the Chief Minister, the Chief Secretary and the Director General of Police were not present to receive and see off the President? There was no water in the washroom set up for President 3) The route chosen by the administration was laden with garbage 4) The district magistrate, Darjeeling, the Commissioner of Police, Siliguri and the Additional District Magistrate are responsible. What action has been taken against them? The Union Home Secretary has asked for a response .

This comes amid the face-off between the Trinamool Congress government and the ruling BJP at the Centre over President Murmu’s visit to the state. While the BJP has alleged that the Mamata Banerjee-led state government disrespected the President, Banerjee accused the BJP, the main opposition in Bengal, of misusing the country’s highest post for political objectives.

Earlier, President Murmu expressed displeasure over the arrangements at an event she attended in Bengal. She also wondered why the Chief Minister did not meet her during her visit.(UPDATED ON 8TH MARCH 2026)