Mumbai:
A day ahead of the visit of the US President Barack Obama to India, several politicians in Mumbai are asking one question - Just whose city is it anyway? That's because Obama's security detail is asking for all sorts of personal details from them if they are to be anywhere close to the US President at the ceremonies he attends in the city.
According to reports, the Chief Minister and his Deputy are upset that the US Consulate has demanded personal details like birth date, nationality, passport number and Blood Group.
No one has been spared. The questionnaire seems to be meant for one and all.
According to Deputy Chief Minister Chhagan Bhujbal, the US Consulate has apologised but a decision is yet to be taken on attending the events where Obama will be present.
"I did not respond to the invitation as I did not think this is the way to treat top government ministers, bureaucrats. If they are inviting us don't they know who we are? Consulate staff met me yesterday to give an explanation and apologised. I will decide whether to attend or not after discussing with the CM," said Bhujbal.
Chief Minister Ashok Chavan, who is in his constituency at present, was non-committal on the issue. Speaking to NDTV, he said he has not seen the invitation to the Obama event yet. Chavan further added that there is usually a protocol to follow in these matters.
Maharashtra Home Secretary Chandra Iyengar and many top policemen will not be attending the event, though they say they will be too busy with security.
Leaders are also reportedly upset that the 26/11 event is being held at the Taj, instead of a more public and inclusive venue.
Officials say they don't even know the list of invitees from the families of 26/11 victims and the government has not been consulted on whom to invite.