Assertions of protocol lapses during President Droupadi Murmu's recent visit to West Bengal have drawn sharp commentary from Bahujan Samaj Party chief Mayawati. She emphasized the imperative of respecting the office of the President, framing the occurrences as "extremely unfortunate."
The core of the controversy centers on alleged shortcomings in protocol during the President's engagements in West Bengal, particularly noted by Mayawati as disruptions to scheduled events and a perceived lack of high-level state engagement. Specifically, Mayawati highlighted the absence of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and her ministers during the President's visit. This observation is linked to President Murmu's reported dismay over a low turnout at a tribal community event near Bagdogra airport and her questioning of a venue change from Bidhannagar. According to established protocol, a chief minister or a designated minister is typically present to receive the President.
Mayawati's critique extends beyond the immediate incidents, calling for a broader adherence to constitutional respect. She argued that constitutional positions should be shielded from partisan politics, suggesting it would be "better if everyone rose above party politics to respect and honour constitutional positions." The BSP leader underscored President Murmu's identity as both a woman and a member of the tribal community, implying that the circumstances of her visit were particularly egregious given these factors.
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The incidents reportedly involved a last-minute venue alteration for a Santal Conference in the Darjeeling district, which led to inconvenience and a diminished attendance. Reports suggest the 'Blue Book', a confidential document outlining security and protocol rules for high-ranking officials, may have been implicated in the alleged breaches. The central government has, in turn, reportedly sought a response from the West Bengal government regarding these protocol issues.
In a related vein, Mayawati also commented on the perceived politicization of the Speaker of the Lok Sabha's position, adding another layer to her call for non-partisanship in handling constitutional offices. She expressed a hope for the smooth functioning of the upcoming parliamentary session, aligning this with the nation's broader interests.