Darjeeling district officials had raised alarm over lack of arrangements at venue
The Hindu
Darjeeling officials alert over inadequate arrangements for President Murmu's visit, highlighting protocol violations amid ongoing controversy.
As controversy rages over proper protocol not being followed during President Droupadi Murmu’s visit to Darjeeling on Saturday (March 7, 2026), district officials emphasise that they had warned their superiors that arrangements at the International Santhal Conference were inadequate.
The Sub-Divisional Officer of Siliguri had, on March 4, written to the District Magistrate of Darjeeling that preparatory work at the venue had not yet been started by the organiser, with two days to go before the scheduled programme.
“In view of the importance and sensitivity of the programme, particularly due to the presence of the Hon’ble President of India, adequate preparation of the venue and related infrastructure is of utmost necessity. However, it has been observed today during inspection that preparatory work at the venue has not yet been started by the organiser, despite the fact that only two days remain before the scheduled programme,” the SDO Siliguri wrote to the Darjeeling District Magistrate.
The SDO urged the DM to issue directions to the concerned organiser so that immediate steps may be taken to ensure proper preparation of the venue and related arrangements well before the scheduled date of the programme.
The very same day, on March 4, 2026, the District Magistrate of Darjeeling wrote to the OSD & Under Secretary to the Government of West Bengal urging a review with the organiser of preparations and arrangements to ensure that protocol for a Presidential visit is observed. “In case it appears that they are not in a position to put up a proper programme, then the viability of holding the programme may be reviewed,” the DM wrote. The District Magistrate had suggested that “this may kindly be taken up with the Office of the Hon’ble President of India”.
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