NEW DELHI: A controversy arose at the West Bengal governor’s residence in Kolkata during Republic Day celebrations after chief minister Mamata Banerjee claimed that the Kolkata police musical band was initially not allowed entry to perform at the event on Sunday evening. The band was eventually permitted to perform following her intervention.
After arriving at the venue, Banerjee was informed that the band was waiting at the gate and was unable to join the celebrations. Following this, she walked to the gate and expressed strong disapproval to the Raj Bhavan officials, insisting that the Kolkata police band be allowed inside.
Mamata Banerjee said, “Every year our Kolkata police band performs in this event. But this year Rajbhawan invited the Kolkata police band, but the entry of the Kolkata police band was not allowed in Kolkata’s Raj Bhavan.”
In the video, the Bengal CM can be seen arguing with support staff and later talking with Governor CV Ananda Bose.
After the chief minister intervened, the band was allowed to enter and perform at governor C V Ananda Bose‘s residence.
“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. 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,” Sandeep Kumar Singh, OSD to governor of West Bengal was quoted as saying by news agency ANI.
Earlier in the day, Mamata Banerjee attended the 76th Republic Day celebrations in Kolkata, where the state’s parade highlighted various achievements.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his greetings to the nation on the occasion. He posted on X (formerly Twitter), “Happy Republic Day. Today, we celebrate 75 glorious years of being a Republic. We bow to all the great women and men who made our Constitution and ensured that our journey is rooted in democracy, dignity, and unity. May this occasion strengthen our efforts towards preserving the ideals of our Constitution and working towards a stronger and prosperous India.”
President Droupadi Murmu unfurled the national flag at Kartavya Path, followed by the national anthem and a 21-gun salute using the indigenous 105-mm Light Field Guns. Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto attended the event as the chief guest.
This year’s Republic Day marked 75 years since the Constitution was enacted and focused on “Jan Bhagidari” (people’s participation).