Row After Union Minister Stopped From Entering VVIP Zone During PM's Kolkata Visit
Union Minister of State for Education Sukanta Majumdar was on Monday denied entry into the VVIP zone of the Kolkata airport while attempting to bid farewell to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
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Union Minister of State for Education Sukanta Majumdar faced denial of entry into the VVIP zone at Kolkata airport when attempting to see off Prime Minister Narendra Modi, creating a fresh confrontation between BJP and the ruling TMC in West Bengal.
The episode occurred before PM Modi departed for Bihar after inaugurating the 16th Combined Commanders' Conference at the Eastern Command headquarters at Vijay Durg, formerly known as Fort William.
Trinamool Congress escalated tensions by ridiculing Majumdar, suggesting his lack of importance within the central government itself.
While West Bengal Fire and Emergency Services Minister Sujit Bose received clearance to drive into the high-security VVIP area following protocol, authorities stopped Majumdar's vehicle, forcing him to proceed on foot for a considerable distance.
"When I questioned why my vehicle was denied entry, the officer simply stated 'madam has instructed.' Upon asking who 'madam' was, they identified her as the DC (deputy commissioner). I question under what authority a state police officer blocks a Union minister while permitting a state minister entry," said a visibly frustrated Majumdar after the incident.
The BJP characterized this incident as further evidence of political vendetta from TMC, criticizing the state administration for "selective enforcement of protocol."
"What special privilege does Sujit Bose possess? Is this how professionally Kolkata Police operates?" Majumdar added, indicating he would petition the Lok Sabha Speaker for action.
TMC promptly responded with criticism toward the BJP leader.
"Modi doesn't consider him significant. He's merely a 'half minister.' That explains his absence from the approved list. Prior notification is required regarding who will receive the Prime Minister. This isn't a BJP office event," remarked senior TMC leader Arup Chakraborty.
TMC maintained that access was granted only to individuals pre-approved on the PMO's security list, suggesting Majumdar's name might have been omitted.
BJP officials countered by questioning how a state minister secured placement on the list while a Union minister did not.
The controversy has ignited fresh hostilities between the BJP-led central government and the state administration, with the saffron party accusing Mamata Banerjee's government of utilizing police forces to resolve political disagreements.
Neither West Bengal Police nor state authorities have provided any official explanation regarding the matter.