A political row that erupted in West Bengal after President Droupadi Murmu on Saturday after questioned the absence of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee during a programme in Siliguri escalated to the hightest level. Prime Minister Narendra Modi criticised the West Bengal government over the episode, calling it an affront to the dignity of the President’s office. Later in the day, Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan wrote to the Bengal's Chief Secretary Nandini Mukherjee seeking detailed report on the lapses in the prescribed protocol for receiving President Murmu.
The letter futher called for explanation over the changes in venue of thd International Santhal Conference in Darjeeling district and other related arrangements.
Responding to the controversy on Saturday, Banerjee issued a detailed clarification, asserting that there had been no protocol lapse and accusing the Bharatiya Janata Party of spreading misinformation by dragging the President’s office into partisan politics.
CM Says Event Was Organised by Private Body
Banerjee explained that the programme had been organised by a private organisation and that the state administration had already flagged concerns regarding the preparedness of the organisers.
"International Santal Council, a private organisation, invited Hon'ble President to the 9th International Adivasi Santal Conference in Siliguri. 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.
"The President's Secretariat advance team visited on 05.03.26, was apprised of the lack of arrangements, yet the programme continued as scheduled," the Chief Minister said.
‘No Protocol Lapse’, Says Banerjee
The Chief Minister also clarified that the district administration had followed the protocol shared by the President’s Secretariat and that she was not part of the official reception lineup.
"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. CM, West Bengal was not part of the lineup or the dais plan. No protocol lapse happened on part of district administration," she said.
In a sharp political attack, Banerjee accused the BJP of attempting to politicise the President’s office.
"BJP is disrespecting and misusing the highest chair in the country for its own party agenda. Most unfortunate."
President Questions Chief Minister’s Absence
Earlier during the event, President Droupadi Murmu publicly wondered why the Chief Minister had not come to receive her.
"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. But because the date was fixed, I have come," she said.
The President also raised concerns about the choice of venue and the low turnout.
"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," Murmu said.
At the same time, she adopted a conciliatory tone while referring to Banerjee.
"Mamata Banerjee is like my younger sister. I am also a daughter of Bengal... I do not know whether she is upset, and that is why the venue was shifted. Anyway, that does not matter. All of you stay well."
Political War of Words Intensifies
PM Modi accused the West Bengal government "of crossing all limits", emphasising that teh Presidential chair is above politics.
"Everyone who believes in democracy and the empowerment of tribal communities is disheartened. The pain and anguish expressed by Rashtrapati Ji, who herself hails from a tribal community, has caused immense sadness in the minds of the people of India," he said in a post on X. He added, "The TMC Government of West Bengal has truly crossed all limits. Their administration is responsible for this insult to the President.
It is equally unfortunate that a subject as important as Santal culture is treated so casually by the West Bengal Government.
The office of the President is above politics and the sanctity of this office should always be respected. One hopes better sense prevails among the West Bengal Government and TMC."
Hitting back sharply, AITC General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee labelled this as a part of a larger political confrontation involving multiple central institutions.
"PEOPLE of WEST BENGAL VS BJP + ECI + ED + IT + CBI + NIA + CAPF + Governor + 20 Union Ministers + 10 CMs + Prime Minister + Respected Rashtrapati Ji + Godi Media. When the entire establishment lines up against Bengal, Bengal stands stronger. Bring it on," he wrote on his X handle.
