West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has claimed that the Kolkata Police band was initially denied entry to perform at Raj Bhawan during the Republic Day celebrations. The incident occurred on January 26, 2025, as part of the state’s formal observance of the national holiday.
Banerjee asserted that Raj Bhawan invites the Kolkata Police band every year to perform at the Republic Day event. However, this time, she said authorities denied the band entry. In her statement, the Chief Minister revealed that Raj Bhawan had invited the band, but officials obstructed their arrival. She intervened in the situation, ensuring the band’s entry into the Governor’s residence to carry out their performance.
A video emerged showing Banerjee addressing officials sternly, after which they allowed the band to enter. Later, she conversed with West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose while the Kolkata Police band performed inside Raj Bhawan.
Tensions have marked the relationship between Banerjee and Governor Bose over the past few months. In September 2024, Governor Bose had declared his decision to “socially boycott” Mamata Banerjee amid an ongoing crisis related to RG Kar Medical College. The tension between the two intensified further when, in July 2024, the Calcutta High Court issued a directive asking Banerjee to refrain from making defamatory statements about the Governor.
In addition to her intervention at Raj Bhawan, Banerjee participated in the Republic Day celebrations earlier in the day. She attended the grand parade at Red Road in Kolkata, where she witnessed the event’s various displays, including the remarkable robotic dogs, called multi-utility legged equipment (MULE), which stole the spotlight.
After the parade, Banerjee shared her thoughts on the significance of Republic Day on the social media platform X. She wrote, “Today, I joined the grand Republic Day parade at Red Road to celebrate 76 years of our Constitution – a living testament to the vision of an India rooted in SOVEREIGNTY, SECULARISM, DEMOCRACY, and FEDERALISM. This day is not just a commemoration; it is a call to renew our commitment to these guiding principles.”
She paid tribute to those who fought for India’s independence, specifically honoring Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and the architects of India’s Constitution. Banerjee emphasized the values of unity, harmony, and inclusivity that are integral to the Indian identity. Her message underscored the importance of protecting these values to ensure that India continues to thrive as a nation.
While the Republic Day celebrations featured moments of patriotism and pride, the dispute over the Kolkata Police band’s performance added controversy to the day’s events.
