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Following the controversy, Sandeep Kumar Singh, the Officer on Special Duty (OSD) to the West Bengal Governor, has clarified that the Kolkata Police band set was assigned a "space different from the usual practice" following which they were provided another suitable place to perform.
This comes after West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's allegation that the Kolkata Police musical band was initially "denied" entry to perform at Raj Bhawan. "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," Sandeep Singh said. "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," the OSD added. Earlier, Mamata Banerjee expressed her frustration over the controversy, stating, "Every year our Kolkata Police band performs in this event. But this year, Raj Bhawan invited the Kolkata police band but the entry of the Kolkata police band was not allowed at the governor's house." She was seen arguing with support staff and later talking with Governor CV Ananda Bose. Following her intervention, the Kolkata police band was permitted to enter and perform at the residence of Governor C V Ananda Bose. CM Mamata attended the 76th Republic Day celebrations in Kolkata, witnessing the state's parade showcasing various achievements. (ANI)
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