The Centre has reportedly sought the deputation of Siliguri Police Commissioner C. Sudhakar and Darjeeling District Magistrate Manish Mishra, a move that comes in the middle of the political controversy triggered by President Droupadi Murmu’s recent visit to North Bengal. Sources say a communication regarding the deputation has already been sent to the West Bengal government, and discussions are currently underway in Nabanna, the state secretariat.
The development has drawn attention because both officials were directly involved in the administrative arrangements during the President’s visit to Siliguri earlier this month — a visit that sparked a sharp political confrontation between the Centre and the West Bengal government over protocol and venue changes.
According to sources, the Union government has requested that the two senior officials be placed on central deputation. While the exact role they may assume has not been disclosed, the request has reached the state administration for consideration.
When asked about the issue, Siliguri Mayor Gautam Deb said the matter is being handled by the state government. “The state will respond appropriately on this matter,” he said briefly.
The controversy dates back to President Droupadi Murmu’s visit to North Bengal, where she attended an international conference organised by a private organisation representing the Santhal community.
Initially, the event was scheduled to be held in Bidhannagar in Siliguri, but the venue was later shifted to Gossainpur near Bagdogra Airport. The change of location triggered political debate and raised questions about administrative decisions surrounding the programme.
During her speech at the event, the President publicly expressed disappointment over the venue change. She remarked that the programme could have accommodated more people if it had been held in Bidhannagar.
“I believe it would have been better if the programme had taken place there. There was more space and more people could have attended. I do not know why the state administration did not allow the event there,” Murmu said while addressing the gathering.
She also added emotionally that she considers herself a daughter of Bengal and has affection for the people of the state, while hinting that Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee might have been upset.
Her remarks immediately triggered a major political storm. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and several BJP leaders criticised the Trinamool Congress government, accusing it of showing disrespect to the President.
The ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) strongly rejected the allegations and countered that the President’s office was being used for political purposes.
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee responded sharply to the controversy, stating, “I am sorry to say this, Madam, but the BJP is using you politically.”
Following the incident, the Union Home Ministry reportedly sought a report on the events surrounding the President’s visit and the administrative decisions taken during the programme.
Now, with the Centre seeking the deputation of the Siliguri Police Commissioner and the Darjeeling District Magistrate, the development has once again brought the episode into the spotlight.
While it remains unclear whether the move is directly linked to the controversy, the timing has intensified speculation in political circles, adding another layer to the ongoing Centre–state tensions in West Bengal.
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