President Droupadi Murmu Siliguri visit: BJP alleges protocol lapses by TMC government

The BJP has criticised the Trinamool Congress government in West Bengal, alleging protocol lapses and inadequate arrangements during President Droupadi Murmu’s visit to Siliguri. The dispute includes a reported change of venue for a Santal conference and the absence of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and ministers. Union Home Minister Amit Shah raised the issue publicly.

The BJP said the TMC government in West Bengal showed "anarchic behaviour\" during President Droupadi Murmu’s Siliguri visit. The party called the episode humiliating for the President’s office and tribal communities. It said Murmu flagged poor arrangements and protocol lapses at an event Murmu presided over.

Murmu earlier expressed anguish over a venue change linked to a Santal conference. Murmu also noted the absence of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and state ministers. The BJP said these issues made the visit \"extremely disturbing and shocking\". It linked the concerns to the International Santal Conference.

TMC government protocol row over President Droupadi Murmu visit

\"The TMC Government in West Bengal today hit a new low in its anarchic behaviour by humiliating the President of India with its glaring disregard for protocol,\" Union Home Minister Amit Shah said on X. Shah said the episode showed \"rot\" in the state government. Shah alleged it violated constitutional rights and spared not even the President.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said the arrangements kept the Santal community away from its international gathering. Singh said this ignored Santal sentiments and affected the dignity of the top constitutional office. \"Respect for the President of India is not ceremonial courtesy, it reflects our collective respect for the Constitution and the people she represents,\" Singh said on X.

BJP leaders cite TMC government actions at International Santal Conference

Union minister Nitin Gadkari said the conduct was deeply disturbing. Gadkari said humiliation of the top constitutional authority hurt India’s democratic institutions. \"Such arrogance and indifference to constitutional propriety is unacceptable and must be unequivocally condemned by every citizen who values democracy,\" Gadkari said.

Union minister Kiren Rijiju wrote on X, \"I have always taken pride in being Adivasi and Indian. This shameful act by the Chief Minister of West Bengal has hurt my pride.\" Union Minister Piyush Goyal said the protocol breach was more than a lapse. Goyal alleged it showed disregard for tribal communities and respect for culture.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath called the episode extremely unfortunate. Adityanath said it was reprehensible and inexcusable. \"This is not merely an insult to one individual, but an affront to Indian democracy, the spirit of motherhood, and the identity of tribal society.\" Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said the conduct was condemnable and extremely shameful.

BJP national general secretary Vinod Tawde said what happened in Siliguri insulted the tribal community. Tawde also linked it to women’s empowerment and the top constitutional office. Tawde said on X in Hindi, \"All these reflect the power-drunk mentality of the Mamata Banerjee government. The people of Bengal will surely respond.\"

More reactions on TMC government and President Droupadi Murmu event

BJP co-incharge for West Bengal Amit Malviya alleged a collapse of the constitutional framework. \"In a rare and unprecedented development, the President of India, Droupadi Murmu, openly expressed displeasure over the lack of preparation and protocol during her visit to Siliguri. Even more shocking, the state government denied permission for the International Santhali Conclave, where the President herself was the chief guest,\" Malviya said.

BJP national spokesperson Shehzad Poonwalla called the conduct shocking and shameful. Poonwalla said on X, \"Never ever has such a thing been seen.\" Another BJP spokesperson, Pradeep Bhandari, wrote: \"Shame on TMC!\" Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma alleged the insult was intentional and tied it to divisive politics.

Sarma also said, \"They would have never attempted something like this with their vote bank. Every right-thinking Indian must stand up against this evil regime.\" Meanwhile, Banerjee rejected the BJP’s claims at a protest site in Kolkata. \"BJP has stooped so low that they are using President Droupadi Murmu to malign the state,\" Banerjee said.

With inputs from PTI