Kolkata/Siliguri: A fresh political row has erupted in poll-bound West Bengal over alleged protocol violations during President Droupadi Murmu’s visit to Siliguri for the 9th International Santhal Conclave.
The event, organised by a private body and originally scheduled for Bidhannagar, was shifted to Goshaipur near Bagdogra airport due to security and logistical concerns flagged by the district administration, officials told PTI.
On Saturday, President Murmu expressed dismay over the low turnout and venue change, saying, “Generally, when the President is coming, the CM should be welcoming, and other ministers should be present. But she did not come. The governor has changed and could not come.”
She added, “Had the programme been held there [at Bidhannagar], it would have been better. There is ample space there, and many people could have attended. But I do not know why the state administration did not permit the meeting there.”
Murmu also took a dig at the state government: “Today’s programme is being held at such a place that it is difficult for people to come. Perhaps the state government does not want the welfare of tribals, and that is why they were prevented from coming here.”
“Mamata Banerjee is like my younger sister. I am also a daughter of Bengal. But I do not know why I was not allowed to come here,” she told the gathering, according to PTI.
Only Siliguri Mayor Goutam Deb represented the state at the airport, against protocol requiring the Chief Minister or a minister, sources said.
In a Facebook post, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee defended the arrangements: “After Advanced Security Liaison, district administration flagged in writing to the President’s Secretariat that the organiser appeared inadequately prepared; the concern was also conveyed telephonically.
“Hon’ble President was received and seen off by Mayor Siliguri Municipal Corporation, DM Darjeeling and CP Siliguri Police Commissionerate strictly as per the approved lineup shared by the President’s Secretariat,” she wrote. “CM, West Bengal [Mamata Banerjee] was not part of the lineup or the dais plan. No protocol lapse happened on part of district administration.”
Banerjee accused the BJP of “disrespecting and misusing the highest chair in the country for its own party agenda. Most unfortunate.”
She told a gathering, “We respect you honourable President, but don’t indulge in politics at behest of BJP during elections,” and questioned Murmu’s silence on tribals in BJP-ruled states like Manipur.
Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan sought a report from the state Chief Secretary by 5 pm Sunday on lapses, including CM’s absence, poor routes and facilities, highly placed sources told ANI.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi sharply criticised TMC, posting on X: “This is shameful and unprecedented. Everyone who believes in democracy and the empowerment of tribal communities is disheartened. The TMC Government of West Bengal has truly crossed all limits. Their administration is responsible for this insult to the President. The office of the President is above politics and its sanctity should always be respected.”
Union Home Minister Amit Shah echoed similar sentiment on X: “The TMC Government in West Bengal today hit a new low in its anarchic behaviour by humiliating the President… This lays bare the rot in TMC which… does not spare even the President from its tyranny. The disrespect for the highest constitutional post… is an insult to our nation and… constitutional democracy.”
Meanwhile, Banerjee continued her second-day dharna in Kolkata against alleged arbitrary deletions of over 10 lakh names from electoral rolls ahead of polls, demanding transparency and reversal.
