The Government of West Bengal on Friday transferred Darjeeling District Magistrate Manish Mishra, days after controversy erupted over alleged protocol lapses during the recent visit of Droupadi Murmu to the region.Mishra has been posted as Special Secretary in the State Home Department, according to an official order issued by the state administration. The transfer comes amid growing attention over the events surrounding the President’s tour of North Bengal earlier this month.
Senior WBCS officer Sunil Agarwal, who was serving as Special Secretary in the North Bengal Development Department, has been given additional charge as the District Magistrate of Darjeeling.
The reshuffle took place shortly after reports emerged that the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) was considering seeking the services of Mishra and C. Sudhakar on central deputation following the protocol controversy.
The issue arose during President Murmu’s visit to Darjeeling on March 7, when she expressed concern over an alleged breach of protocol and a last-minute change of venue for the International Santhal Conference. The President also noted that neither the Chief Minister nor the Governor was present to receive her during the visit.
The developments soon turned into a political flashpoint between the state government and the Centre, drawing attention within administrative circles.
Sources in the Home Ministry indicated that the Union government may seek central deputation of the concerned officers. Under existing rules, the Centre can require officers to serve on deputation even without the consent of the state government or the officers themselves in certain circumstances.
Observers also pointed to a similar situation in 2019, when the Centre sought the central deputation of three senior IPS officers after the convoy of then BJP president J. P. Nadda was attacked in South 24 Parganas. At that time, the West Bengal government did not grant its consent for the deputation.
The latest transfer is being seen as a significant administrative move amid the ongoing political and bureaucratic debate surrounding the President’s visit and the alleged protocol lapses.
Darjeeling DM Transferred After Protocol Row During President Murmu’s Visit
