The recent visit of President Droupadi Murmu to North Bengal has culminated in a major administrative showdown between the Central and State governments. Following a stern recommendation from the Union Home Ministry regarding a breach of protocol and sudden changes in the President’s itinerary, the West Bengal government has removed Darjeeling District Magistrate (DM) Manish Mishra. Simultaneously, Siliguri Police Commissioner C. Sudhakar is also facing removal and a summons for Central Deputation.

The Triggering Incident: The controversy erupted on March 7 during the 9th International Tribal and Santal Council conference. The venue was abruptly shifted from Phansidewa to Bagdogra citing security reasons. President Murmu, visibly upset, expressed her dissatisfaction from the public stage, questioning why obstacles were being created for her visit despite her sisterly bond with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. The BJP seized the moment, labeling the venue shift as a “deliberate conspiracy” and an “insult to the Head of State.”

Nabanna Bows to MHA Pressure: The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) sought a report from Bengal’s Chief Secretary Nandini Chakraborty within 24 hours. Dissatisfied with the state’s justification, Amit Shah’s ministry ordered the immediate removal of the two officers. Complying with part of the directive, the state shifted Manish Mishra to the Home and Hill Affairs Department as a Special Secretary, appointing Sunil Agarwal as the new DM of Darjeeling. The status of CP C. Sudhakar remains under close watch as the state prepares to comply further.

Political Aftermath: The move has drawn sharp reactions across the political spectrum. BJP MLA Shankar Ghosh stated, “Insulting the President is insulting the country; the MHA investigation was necessary.” On the other hand, TMC leaders view this as an intrusion into state administrative affairs right before the elections. This incident mirrors the 2021 Alapan Bandyopadhyay case, where a top bureaucrat was caught in the crossfire of the PM-CM rivalry. The sudden replacement of these key officials has sent ripples through the state’s administrative corridors, highlighting the severe consequences of protocol lapses.