West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed strong disapproval after learning that the Kolkata Police band was initially denied entry to the Raj Bhavan for Republic Day celebrations on Sunday. The incident occurred while two bands from the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) were performing inside the Governor’s House.
On arriving at the venue, Banerjee was informed that the Kolkata Police band was waiting at the gate, unable to join the event. Visibly upset, the Chief Minister walked to the gate and engaged with Raj Bhavan officials, insisting that the Kolkata Police band be allowed to perform.
She also made it clear to the officials that she would not enter the premises until the issue was resolved.
Speaking to the media about the matter, Banerjee questioned the decision to exclude the Kolkata Police band, which traditionally performs at the Republic Day event each year.
She clarified that she had no objections to the SSB bands performing but said that the Kolkata Police band’s exclusion was unwarranted. “Every year, the Kolkata Police band performs at this event. Why were they not allowed inside this time?” she asked.
“Very bad,” she was heard saying while speaking to the media.
Following Banerjee’s intervention, Raj Bhavan officials quickly resolved the issue and the band was permitted to enter the Governor’s House.
