A political conflagration has erupted across India following what are being described as 'protocol lapses' during President Droupadi Murmu's recent visit to West Bengal. The controversy, which centers on arrangements at the 9th International Santal Conference near Siliguri, has seen the Union government demanding explanations from the West Bengal administration and sparking sharp exchanges between national and state leaders. The core of the dispute lies in the President's public expression of displeasure regarding the arrangements and the absence of key state officials, including Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, at her reception.
The Union Home Ministry has formally sought a detailed report from the West Bengal government, specifically requesting clarification on the alleged breach of 'Blue Book' protocol guidelines governing presidential visits. Reports indicate the Union Home Secretary, Govind Mohan, has written to the West Bengal Chief Secretary, Nandini Chakravorty, questioning the absence of the Chief Minister, Chief Secretary, and Director General of Police at the President's arrival. President Murmu herself publicly voiced her disappointment, noting the established protocol typically requires the chief minister to receive the President during official visits. She also reportedly expressed anguish over a last-minute venue change for the tribal cultural conference.
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Political fallout has been swift and widespread. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has strongly criticized the West Bengal government's handling of the visit, labeling the developments "shameful." Several other party leaders, including former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati and Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, have echoed these sentiments, calling for respect for the President's office and urging against the politicization of constitutional roles. Union Minister Annapurna Devi sharply condemned the incident as "unfortunate" and reflective of administrative failings.
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However, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) has mounted a defense, with TMC MP Sagarika Ghose releasing correspondence suggesting the state government had alerted the President’s office about potential issues with arrangements by private organizers. TMC national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee has framed the controversy as an attempt to "target West Bengal using multiple institutions and political pressure." Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee herself stated she was unaware of the President's event details and initially claimed the district administration followed protocol. She later added that while she holds the President in high regard, remarks that do not suit her office should be avoided, and expressed confusion over the President's alleged "anger" towards her.
The President, while expressing her concerns, also offered a personal touch, remarking, "Maybe Mamata Didi is angry." She referred to Banerjee as her 'sister' and acknowledged her own identity as "daughter of Bengal." Vice-President C.P. Radhakrishnan also criticized the state government's treatment of the President. The controversy has intensified amid ongoing political maneuvering, with the BJP and TMC trading accusations. The event occurred near Bagdogra airport in Siliguri, where President Murmu attended the International Santal Conference. The Union government's request for a report follows an advance team from the President’s Secretariat reportedly visiting the venue earlier.
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