Central Government Calls Darjeeling DM and Police Commissioner on Deputation After President Protocol Controversy

KalimNews, March 14, 2026, Kalimpong:  In the aftermath of the recent protocol controversy during President Droupadi Murmu’s visit to North Bengal, the Central Government has removed Darjeeling District Magistrate (DM) Manish Mishra from his post and called him to Delhi on deputation to the Hills Department at Nabanna. Sunil Agrawal, a 1994-batch WBCS officer currently serving as Special Secretary in the North Bengal Development Department, has been given additional charge as the new Darjeeling DM. Meanwhile, Siliguri Police Commissioner C. Sudhakar has not yet been transferred or replaced, according to state administration sources.

The reshuffle came just hours after reports emerged that the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) might seek the services of DM Mishra and Police Commissioner Sudhakar on central deputation in connection with the controversy. Sunil Agrawal now takes charge of the district amid heightened scrutiny of the administrative lapses during the President’s visit.

On Saturday, March 7, 2026, President Murmu attended the 9th International Santhal Conference in Phasidewa, Siliguri. A controversy erupted over alleged protocol violations and claims that the state government had shown disrespect to the President. The President herself expressed dissatisfaction over the arrangements, particularly the last-minute change of the program venue.

Initially, the event was scheduled at Santoshini Vidyachakra High School ground in Bidhannagar, Phasidewa block. It was later shifted to Gosainpur near Bagdogra Airport. President Murmu also highlighted that the smaller venue prevented full participation of Santals and other Adivasi communities in North Bengal, noting that the space was inadequate for 5,000 attendees. She raised concerns about why a smaller venue was chosen despite the availability of larger grounds.

The incident sparked a political slugfest in poll-bound West Bengal. Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemned the state government, calling the episode “shameful and unprecedented” and accusing the TMC of insulting the President. PM Modi stated that the Mamata Banerjee administration had “truly crossed all limits.”

Vice President C.B. Radhakrishnan, Home Minister Amit Shah, and several opposition leaders also expressed displeasure. The Vice President emphasized that the President must receive respect and adherence to protocol befitting her office. BSP leader Mayawati criticized the politicization of the President’s office, calling protocol violations “extremely unfortunate” and stressing the need to preserve the dignity of the nation’s highest office.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee defended her government, calling President Murmu “my younger sister” and asserting that she respects her deeply. She maintained that the International Santhal Conference was organized by the International Santhal Council, a private non-governmental organization, and not by the state government.

Banerjee argued that logistical constraints and the nature of multiple Presidential visits made it difficult for her or a minister to attend every event in person. She accused political forces of attempting to misuse the controversy, stating: “I am sorry, Madam. I apologise. I hold you in high esteem. However, you have fallen into the trap of the BJP’s political agenda.”

The Chief Minister also highlighted deficiencies at the venue: washrooms lacked running water, and the route taken by the Presidential convoy was littered with garbage. She asserted that the district administration had coordinated with the President’s Secretariat and had informed them in advance of the logistical challenges. Several senior officials, including the Siliguri Mayor and the Darjeeling DM, were present to receive the President.

Presidential protocol is not mere formality—it is a constitutional requirement under the ‘Warrant of the President’ and ensures respect for the highest office while reinforcing Center-State relations. Protocol mandates that the Governor, followed by the Chief Minister, must be present to receive the President. If the Chief Minister is unavailable, a cabinet minister may deputize. Additionally, the Chief Secretary and DGP oversee administrative and security arrangements. Local officials such as the mayor and military commander are integral to these arrangements.

During the Siliguri visit, only the Mayor, Darjeeling DM, and Siliguri Police Commissioner were present. The absence of the Chief Secretary and a minister raised concerns about protocol adherence, though Mamata Banerjee maintained that no violation occurred, citing that the protocol list had been issued by the President’s Secretariat.

The controversy led to a direct intervention by the Central Government, resulting in the transfer of DM Manish Mishra and the appointment of Sunil Agrawal as acting DM. It underscores the constitutional significance of maintaining protocol for the nation’s highest office and highlights the delicate balance between state and central authorities in managing ceremonial and security norms.