Suvendu Adhikari Meets Governor, Raises Alarm Over Security Lapses During President Murmu's Kolkata Visit
In a significant political development, Leader of Opposition in West Bengal, Suvendu Adhikari, held a crucial meeting with Governor R N Ravi at Raj Bhavan in Kolkata on Friday. The meeting, which lasted for over thirty minutes, centered on serious allegations regarding the state's handling of security and protocol during President Droupadi Murmu's recent visit to the city.
Allegations of Democratic Institutions Under Duress
Adhikari began by expressing grave concerns, stating that democratic institutions within West Bengal are currently operating under significant duress. He emphasized that this environment has compromised the state's ability to fulfill its constitutional duties, particularly in matters of high-level security.
Specific Accusations Regarding Presidential Security
The core of Adhikari's complaint focused on what he described as the state government's "alarming negligence" in ensuring the safety and security of President Droupadi Murmu. "I will not comment on the governor's response, but whatever has happened to President Murmu is alarming to people across the country," Adhikari stated after the meeting.
He detailed several specific failures:
- The state allegedly failed to maintain proper protocol for the President of India.
- Security arrangements were reportedly downgraded, with civic volunteers being deployed instead of more specialized security personnel.
- The planned venue for an event had to be changed at the last minute because it did not receive the necessary permissions, indicating a breakdown in coordination.
Demand for Action Against Top Officials
Adhikari formally urged Governor Ravi to take immediate disciplinary steps against two senior state officials whom he holds responsible for the lapses. He named Chief Secretary Nandini Chakravorty and Acting Director General of Police Peeyush Pandey, demanding accountability for their roles in the security arrangements.
"I urged the governor to take steps against chief secretary Nandini Chakravorty and acting DGP Peeyush Pandey. It cannot be treated as a closed chapter until action is taken," Adhikari asserted, making it clear that the opposition would continue to press the issue.
Broader Implications for State Governance
This incident has escalated into a major political controversy, with Adhikari framing it not just as a security failure but as a symptom of deeper institutional decay. The meeting with the Governor, a constitutional authority, underscores the opposition's attempt to seek intervention at the highest level within the state framework.
The allegations raise serious questions about administrative preparedness and protocol adherence for VVIP visits in West Bengal. The opposition's stance indicates they view this as a failure of the state government's duty to protect constitutional dignitaries, an issue they believe resonates with citizens nationwide.
As the political temperature rises in Kolkata, all eyes are now on the Raj Bhavan and whether any official response or action will follow this high-profile complaint. The matter remains open, with Adhikari vowing to keep it alive until satisfactory accountability is established.
