Political Storm Over West Bengal Govt's Alleged 'Snub' to President Droupadi Murmu
What began as a cultural gathering to celebrate Santal heritage has now turned into a political controversy after President Droupadi Murmu voiced disappointment about the arrangements at the International Santal Conference in Darjeeling district of West Bengal.
The President’s candid remarks after attending the event quickly drew national attention and triggered strong political reactions. Murmu questioned the choice of venue and said she was saddened that many members of the Santal community could not attend a conference meant to celebrate their own heritage and traditions.
Prime Minister Reacts Strongly
The controversy intensified after Prime Minister Narendra Modi sharply criticised the state government led by the All India Trinamool Congress. In a post on X, Modi described the situation as deeply unfortunate and said the President’s feelings had saddened people across the country.
"This is shameful and unprecedented. Everyone who believes in democracy and the empowerment of tribal communities is disheartened," the Prime Minister wrote.
He said the anguish expressed by Murmu, who herself comes from a tribal background, had resonated strongly with citizens nationwide. Modi accused the state administration of mishandling the situation and said the government had "crossed all limits." He also described the incident as an insult to the President and stressed that issues related to tribal culture must never be treated casually.
The Prime Minister further emphasised that the dignity of the President’s office stands above politics and must always be respected.
Venue Change at the Centre of the Row
The dispute began after the venue of the conference was changed by the state administration. The event was originally planned in Bidhannagar in Darjeeling district but was later shifted to Gossainpur in the Bagdogra area on the outskirts of Siliguri.
According to the President, the change created difficulties for many members of the Santal community who had hoped to attend the event. The conference was intended as a large gathering celebrating Santal culture, history and traditions. However, the location shift meant that several community members could not reach the venue.
Murmu said that after observing the surrounding area, she felt the event could have been organised differently. "I realised it would have been better if the programme had been held here. The area is so vast... five lakh people could gather here easily," she said.
She added that it was disappointing to see that many people who wished to participate in the conference were unable to attend because of the venue’s accessibility.
Absence of State Leadership Raises Questions
The issue became more sensitive when the President also referred to the absence of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and other state ministers during her visit.
Under normal protocol, the Chief Minister or at least a senior minister usually receives the President during official visits to a state. On this occasion, the only political representative present at the airport to receive Murmu was Gautam Deb, the Mayor of Siliguri.
During her remarks, Murmu highlighted this absence and reflected on the traditions of political courtesy associated with the President’s office. "If the President visits a place, the Chief Minister and the Ministers should also come," she said.
The President also made a personal observation that struck an emotional note. Referring to her connection with the state, she said she considers herself a daughter of Bengal and spoke warmly about the Chief Minister.
She added that she regards Mamata Banerjee as her younger sister and wondered aloud whether the Chief Minister might be upset with her.
Cultural Event Turns Political
The International Santal Conference was meant to celebrate the heritage and identity of the Santal community, one of the largest tribal groups in eastern India. Instead, the event has now become the centre of a heated political debate.
With the President’s remarks and the Prime Minister’s criticism bringing the issue into the national spotlight, the controversy has sparked discussions about administrative decisions, protocol during high level visits and the importance of ensuring that cultural events remain accessible to the communities they aim to honour.
Mamata Banerjee Denies Allegations of Protocol Violation
The political storm around President Droupadi Murmu’s recent visit to West Bengal continues to intensify, with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee firmly rejecting allegations that her government violated protocol.
Addressing the controversy, Banerjee said all formal procedures were followed during the President’s visit. In a post on X, the Chief Minister stated that the reception and send off arrangements were carried out strictly according to the approved lineup provided by the President’s Secretariat.
According to Banerjee, Murmu was officially received by the Mayor of the Siliguri Municipal Corporation along with senior administrative officials including the District Magistrate of Darjeeling district and the Commissioner of the Siliguri Police Commissionerate.
Banerjee suggested that any shortcomings during the event may have been related to the organisers of the International Santal Conference rather than the state administration. She maintained that there had been no lapse on the part of the district authorities and rejected claims that protocol had been ignored.
Centre Seeks Explanation
Even as the state government defended its position, the Centre stepped in seeking a detailed explanation from the West Bengal administration about the circumstances surrounding the President’s visit.
Govind Mohan, the Union Home Secretary, has asked the West Bengal Chief Secretary to submit a detailed report by 5 PM on Sunday regarding the alleged lapses linked to Murmu’s trip.
Officials said the report has been sought on several aspects of the visit, including whether the prescribed protocol for receiving the President was properly followed. The Centre has also asked for clarification on the last minute change in the venue of the International Santal Conference, alterations made to the President’s travel route and the logistical arrangements provided during the visit.
Questions Over Presence of Top Officials
Sources indicated that the Union Home Ministry has also raised questions about the absence of key state officials during Murmu’s arrival and departure. Clarifications have reportedly been sought on why senior leaders such as the Chief Minister, the Chief Secretary and the Director General of Police were not present during the visit.
Officials are also examining reports of logistical problems that may have occurred during the President’s trip. These include concerns about facilities at the conference venue as well as arrangements along the travel route taken by the presidential convoy.
In addition, the Centre has asked the state government to explain whether any action has been taken against local officials in connection with the alleged lapses. This includes authorities such as the District Magistrate of Darjeeling, the Police Commissioner of Siliguri and the Additional District Magistrate.
Political Tensions Escalate
The developments have further sharpened the political confrontation between the BJP led central government and the All India Trinamool Congress administration in West Bengal.
Leaders from the Bharatiya Janata Party have described the episode as a serious administrative failure under the state government and have accused the administration of failing to maintain proper protocol during the President’s visit.
Banerjee, however, has strongly pushed back against these allegations. She accused the BJP of politicising the office of the President and turning the issue into a political controversy.
Responding to the criticism, the Chief Minister also questioned why similar outrage is not seen when incidents affecting tribal communities occur in other states. She alleged that the BJP was attempting to use the situation to create a political narrative ahead of upcoming elections.
As the debate continues, what began as a cultural event celebrating Santal heritage has now evolved into a broader political clash between the state and the Centre, drawing attention to issues of protocol, governance and political rivalry.
The President’s candid remarks after attending the event quickly drew national attention and triggered strong political reactions. Murmu questioned the choice of venue and said she was saddened that many members of the Santal community could not attend a conference meant to celebrate their own heritage and traditions.
Prime Minister Reacts Strongly
The controversy intensified after Prime Minister Narendra Modi sharply criticised the state government led by the All India Trinamool Congress. In a post on X, Modi described the situation as deeply unfortunate and said the President’s feelings had saddened people across the country."This is shameful and unprecedented. Everyone who believes in democracy and the empowerment of tribal communities is disheartened," the Prime Minister wrote.
He said the anguish expressed by Murmu, who herself comes from a tribal background, had resonated strongly with citizens nationwide. Modi accused the state administration of mishandling the situation and said the government had "crossed all limits." He also described the incident as an insult to the President and stressed that issues related to tribal culture must never be treated casually.
The Prime Minister further emphasised that the dignity of the President’s office stands above politics and must always be respected.
Venue Change at the Centre of the Row
The dispute began after the venue of the conference was changed by the state administration. The event was originally planned in Bidhannagar in Darjeeling district but was later shifted to Gossainpur in the Bagdogra area on the outskirts of Siliguri. According to the President, the change created difficulties for many members of the Santal community who had hoped to attend the event. The conference was intended as a large gathering celebrating Santal culture, history and traditions. However, the location shift meant that several community members could not reach the venue.
Murmu said that after observing the surrounding area, she felt the event could have been organised differently. "I realised it would have been better if the programme had been held here. The area is so vast... five lakh people could gather here easily," she said.
She added that it was disappointing to see that many people who wished to participate in the conference were unable to attend because of the venue’s accessibility.
Absence of State Leadership Raises Questions
The issue became more sensitive when the President also referred to the absence of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and other state ministers during her visit. Under normal protocol, the Chief Minister or at least a senior minister usually receives the President during official visits to a state. On this occasion, the only political representative present at the airport to receive Murmu was Gautam Deb, the Mayor of Siliguri.
During her remarks, Murmu highlighted this absence and reflected on the traditions of political courtesy associated with the President’s office. "If the President visits a place, the Chief Minister and the Ministers should also come," she said.
The President also made a personal observation that struck an emotional note. Referring to her connection with the state, she said she considers herself a daughter of Bengal and spoke warmly about the Chief Minister.
She added that she regards Mamata Banerjee as her younger sister and wondered aloud whether the Chief Minister might be upset with her.
Cultural Event Turns Political
The International Santal Conference was meant to celebrate the heritage and identity of the Santal community, one of the largest tribal groups in eastern India. Instead, the event has now become the centre of a heated political debate. With the President’s remarks and the Prime Minister’s criticism bringing the issue into the national spotlight, the controversy has sparked discussions about administrative decisions, protocol during high level visits and the importance of ensuring that cultural events remain accessible to the communities they aim to honour.
Mamata Banerjee Denies Allegations of Protocol Violation
The political storm around President Droupadi Murmu’s recent visit to West Bengal continues to intensify, with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee firmly rejecting allegations that her government violated protocol.Addressing the controversy, Banerjee said all formal procedures were followed during the President’s visit. In a post on X, the Chief Minister stated that the reception and send off arrangements were carried out strictly according to the approved lineup provided by the President’s Secretariat.
According to Banerjee, Murmu was officially received by the Mayor of the Siliguri Municipal Corporation along with senior administrative officials including the District Magistrate of Darjeeling district and the Commissioner of the Siliguri Police Commissionerate.
Banerjee suggested that any shortcomings during the event may have been related to the organisers of the International Santal Conference rather than the state administration. She maintained that there had been no lapse on the part of the district authorities and rejected claims that protocol had been ignored.
Centre Seeks Explanation
Even as the state government defended its position, the Centre stepped in seeking a detailed explanation from the West Bengal administration about the circumstances surrounding the President’s visit.Govind Mohan, the Union Home Secretary, has asked the West Bengal Chief Secretary to submit a detailed report by 5 PM on Sunday regarding the alleged lapses linked to Murmu’s trip.
Officials said the report has been sought on several aspects of the visit, including whether the prescribed protocol for receiving the President was properly followed. The Centre has also asked for clarification on the last minute change in the venue of the International Santal Conference, alterations made to the President’s travel route and the logistical arrangements provided during the visit.
Questions Over Presence of Top Officials
Sources indicated that the Union Home Ministry has also raised questions about the absence of key state officials during Murmu’s arrival and departure. Clarifications have reportedly been sought on why senior leaders such as the Chief Minister, the Chief Secretary and the Director General of Police were not present during the visit. Officials are also examining reports of logistical problems that may have occurred during the President’s trip. These include concerns about facilities at the conference venue as well as arrangements along the travel route taken by the presidential convoy.
In addition, the Centre has asked the state government to explain whether any action has been taken against local officials in connection with the alleged lapses. This includes authorities such as the District Magistrate of Darjeeling, the Police Commissioner of Siliguri and the Additional District Magistrate.
Political Tensions Escalate
The developments have further sharpened the political confrontation between the BJP led central government and the All India Trinamool Congress administration in West Bengal. Leaders from the Bharatiya Janata Party have described the episode as a serious administrative failure under the state government and have accused the administration of failing to maintain proper protocol during the President’s visit.
Banerjee, however, has strongly pushed back against these allegations. She accused the BJP of politicising the office of the President and turning the issue into a political controversy.
Responding to the criticism, the Chief Minister also questioned why similar outrage is not seen when incidents affecting tribal communities occur in other states. She alleged that the BJP was attempting to use the situation to create a political narrative ahead of upcoming elections.
As the debate continues, what began as a cultural event celebrating Santal heritage has now evolved into a broader political clash between the state and the Centre, drawing attention to issues of protocol, governance and political rivalry.
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