“BJP Misusing Country’s Highest Chair”: Mamata Banerjee Hits Back After President Murmu’s Remarks

A political controversy erupted in West Bengal after President Droupadi Murmu expressed displeasure over arrangements during a programme in Siliguri and questioned why Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had not received her during the visit.

The episode quickly turned into a war of words between the ruling Trinamool Congress and the BJP, with Banerjee accusing the Centre of dragging the President's office into partisan politics, while Prime Minister Narendra Modi called the incident "shameful and unprecedented".

Mamata Banerjee Explains Absence From Event

Responding to questions over her absence at the programme, Mamata Banerjee said the event had been organised by a private body and the state administration had already flagged concerns about arrangements.

"International Santal Council, a private organisation, invited Hon'ble President to the 9th International Adivasi Santal Conference in Siliguri. After Advanced Security Liaison, district administration flagged in writing to the President's Secretariat that the organiser appeared inadequately prepared; the concern was also conveyed telephonically.

"The President's Secretariat advance team visited on 05.03.26, was apprised of the lack of arrangements, yet the programme continued as scheduled," the Chief Minister said.

Banerjee also clarified that the district administration followed the protocol shared by the President's Secretariat and that she was not included in the official lineup.

"Hon'ble President was received and seen off by Mayor Siliguri Municipal Corporation, DM Darjeeling and CP Siliguri Police Commissionerate strictly as per the approved lineup shared by the President's Secretariat. CM, West Bengal was not part of the lineup or the dais plan. No protocol lapse happened on part of district administration," she said.

She further alleged political motives behind the criticism, stating, "BJP is disrespecting and misusing the highest chair in the country for its own party agenda. Most unfortunate."

President Murmu Raises Concerns Over Protocol And Venue

Earlier during the event, President Droupadi Murmu publicly wondered why the Chief Minister had not come to receive her.

"Generally, when the President is coming, the CM should be welcoming, and other ministers should be present. But she did not come. The governor has changed and could not come. But because the date was fixed, I have come," she said.

The President also raised questions about the venue and turnout at the event, suggesting that the location may have made it difficult for people to attend.

"Today's programme is being held at such a place that it is difficult for people to come. Perhaps the state government does not want the welfare of tribals, and that is why they were prevented from coming here," Murmu said.

At the same time, she struck a conciliatory tone while referring to the Chief Minister.

"Mamata Banerjee is like my younger sister. I am also a daughter of Bengal... I do not know whether she is upset, and that is why the venue was shifted. Anyway, that does not matter. All of you stay well," the President said.

PM Modi Calls Incident "Shameful"

Prime Minister Narendra Modi strongly criticised the West Bengal government over the episode, describing it as an insult to the President's office.

"Everyone who believes in democracy and the empowerment of tribal communities is disheartened. The pain and anguish expressed by Rashtrapati Ji, who herself hails from a tribal community, has caused immense sadness in the minds of the people of India," he said in a post on X.

"The TMC Government of West Bengal has truly crossed all limits. Their administration is responsible for this insult to the President. It is equally unfortunate that a subject as important as Santal culture is treated so casually by the West Bengal Government. The office of the President is above politics and the sanctity of this office should always be respected. One hopes better sense prevails among the West Bengal Government and TMC," he added.

Abhishek Banerjee Hits Back As Poll Battle Heats Up

Trinamool Congress general secretary Abhishek Banerjee responded sharply to the Prime Minister's remarks, framing the controversy as part of a larger political battle against Bengal.

"PEOPLE of WEST BENGAL VS BJP + ECI + ED + IT + CBI + NIA + CAPF + Governor + 20 Union Ministers + 10 CMs + Prime Minister + Respected Rashtrapati Ji + Godi Media. When the entire establishment lines up against Bengal, Bengal stands stronger. Bring it on."

The controversy comes at a politically sensitive time, with assembly elections in West Bengal just months away. Both the Trinamool Congress and the BJP have intensified their attacks on each other, turning even official visits and events into flashpoints in the escalating electoral battle.