West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has rejected allegations of a protocol lapse during President Droupadi Murmu’s Siliguri visit, accusing the BJP of politicising the issue ahead of state elections. The controversy has sparked a fresh political showdown.
Mamata Banerjee hits back at President Murmu over Siliguri visit row
Siliguri: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has strongly rejected claims of a protocol lapse during the recent visit of President Droupadi Murmu to Siliguri.
The controversy began after the President expressed disappointment over arrangements at the 9th International Santal Conference held on March 7. Murmu raised concerns about the smaller venue, low attendance and the absence of senior state leaders at the event.
In response, Banerjee issued a statement saying that the West Bengal government had followed all required procedures and that no breach of protocol had taken place.
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Banerjee alleged that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was attempting to use the President’s remarks to create a political controversy ahead of the upcoming state assembly elections.
She said critics were misrepresenting the situation and questioned why similar incidents in BJP-ruled states were not being highlighted. “No protocol lapse happened on the part of the district administration,” Banerjee said, adding that it was unfortunate that the President’s office was being dragged into political debates.
The chief minister clarified that the arrangements for the conference were handled primarily by private organisers and the Airports Authority of India.
According to her, the state government had limited involvement in the planning of the programme and had maintained full respect for the President’s office throughout the visit. Banerjee also dismissed speculation that she was personally upset with Murmu, saying the state had maintained proper decorum during the event.
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The issue has sparked sharp reactions from several political leaders across the country. Prime Minister Narendra Modi criticised the situation, calling it “shameful and unprecedented,” and stressed that the office of the President must remain above political disputes.
Other leaders from the BJP also condemned the alleged lapses and demanded accountability from the state government. Meanwhile, supporters of the ruling All India Trinamool Congress defended the state administration, saying the controversy was being exaggerated for political purposes.
The dispute has further intensified the political rivalry between the BJP and the Trinamool Congress in West Bengal. With the state assembly elections approaching, the controversy surrounding the President’s visit has become the latest flashpoint in the ongoing political battle between the two parties.
