A political controversy erupted at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport today, after Union Minister of State for Education, Dr. Sukanta Majumdar, alleged he was subjected to a protocol breach while attempting to receive Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The incident has intensified the already fraught relationship between the central government and the West Bengal state administration.
According to Dr. Majumdar, his official vehicle was stopped by West Bengal Police officers a considerable distance from the terminal entrance. The police reportedly cited a new protocol that prohibits a central minister’s car from proceeding further when the Prime Minister is in a sensitive security area. The minister was allegedly forced to walk a significant distance to the main gate to meet the Prime Minister, a situation he described as a clear deviation from established norms.
Adding to the controversy, Dr. Majumdar stated that a similar protocol was not enforced for West Bengal’s state minister, Sujit Bose, who arrived at the airport shortly after. According to the Union Minister, Minister Bose’s vehicle was allowed to proceed directly to the terminal entrance without any obstruction or protocol-related hindrance. This apparent discrepancy has raised serious questions about the selective application of security rules.
Allegations of Political Motives
The incident has fueled speculation that the alleged protocol violation was politically motivated. Critics are questioning whether the West Bengal Police, which falls under the state administration, is selectively applying new security rules to central ministers while granting exceptions to members of the ruling Trinamool Congress party. This alleged double standard has sparked a debate over the politicization of security protocols and has been widely condemned by leaders from the opposition.
The incident is the latest in a series of confrontations between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Trinamool Congress (TMC). Both parties have been locked in a bitter political rivalry in the state, with each side frequently accusing the other of misusing power and official machinery. Dr. Majumdar’s allegations are seen as a new flashpoint in this ongoing political tussle.
Minister Takes Formal Action
Dr. Majumdar has not taken this matter lightly. In a significant development, he has formally lodged a complaint, writing to the Speaker of the Lok Sabha, the lower house of India’s Parliament. His letter details the alleged protocol violation and the disparate treatment he received compared to the state minister. The move highlights the seriousness with which the Union Minister views the incident and could potentially lead to a formal inquiry into the actions of the West Bengal Police.
The controversy underscores the deep-seated political tensions in West Bengal, where every official interaction seems to be viewed through a political lens. The coming days are likely to see more political rhetoric and blame-shifting as the two parties continue to clash over the alleged protocol breach at the airport.