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Bengal CM Mamata’s Furious Outburst As Kolkata Police Band ‘Not Allowed’ To Perform At Raj Bhavan On R-Day — Video
Banerjee was informed that the band was waiting at the gate as it was denied entry, following which she expressed strong disapproval and insisted that the Kolkata Police be allowed inside to perform.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Sunday had a public outburst as the Kolkata Police's musical band was allegedly denied entry to Raj Bhavan during the Republic Day celebrations. According to Governor’s office, Kolkata Police band set was assigned a space different from the usual practice.
After she arrived at the venue, Banerjee was informed that the band was waiting at the gate and was unable to join the celebrations. Following this, the Bengal CM walked to the gate and expressed strong disapproval about it to the Raj Bhavan officials, insisting that the Kolkata Police band be permitted inside.
Subsequently, the band was allowed entry and it was able to perform due to Banerjee's intervention. She stood at the gate till the issue was resolved, stressing that she would not enter the premises until the band was allowed to perform.
The incident occurred while two bands from the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) were performing inside the Governor C V Ananda Bose's residence.
"Every year, the Kolkata Police band performs at this event. But this year Rajbhawan invited the Kolkata police band but the entry of the Kolkata police band was not allowed at the governor's house," she said.
In the visuals, Mamata Banerjee can be seen arguing with support staff and later talking with Governor CV Ananda Bose.
"Why were they not allowed inside this time?" she further asked, questioning the decision to exclude the Kolkata Police band.
She further clarified that she did not have any objections to the SSB bands performing but maintained that the Kolkata Police band's exclusion was unwarranted. "Very bad," she was heard saying while speaking to the media.
Raj Bhavan Issues Clarification
Sandeep Kumar Singh, OSD to West Bengal Governor said the Kolkata Police band set was assigned a different space than the one alloted during the usual practice and when this was pointed out they were given a suitable place where they continued to perform.
"In the At Home, the Kolkata Police band set was assigned a space different from the usual practice. When this was pointed out, I intervened and called the Police bandset and gave them a suitable place where they continued to perform. I also explained it to the Chief Minister and she listened to the Band for some time. When I reported this to the Governor, he ordered that any departure from precedence on ceremonial occasions should be done only with the prior approval of the Chief of Staff," he said.
Earlier today, the Bengal CM attended the 76th Republic Day celebrations in Kolkata, where she witnessed the state's parade showcasing its various achievements.
President Droupadi Murmu also unfurled the national flag at Kartavya Path, which was followed by a 21-gun salute using 105-mm Light Field Guns and the national anthem. This year, Indonesian president Prabowo Subianto joined the Republic Day celebrations as the chief guest.