Storm Over West Bengal Govt's 'Snub' To President Droupadi Murmu

What was meant to be a celebration of tribal culture has now snowballed into a political flashpoint after President Droupadi Murmu publicly expressed disappointment over the arrangements for the International Santal Conference in West Bengal's Darjeeling district.

Speaking after attending the event, the President 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 culture. Her remarks, delivered with unusual candour, quickly drew national attention and triggered strong political reactions.

PM Modi's Sharp Attack on TMC Government

The controversy deepened after Prime Minister Narendra Modi sharply criticised the Trinamool Congress (TMC) government in West Bengal, calling the situation "shameful and unprecedented." In a post on X, Modi said the anguish expressed by the President 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 added that the pain expressed by Murmu, who herself comes from a tribal community, had caused immense sadness among citizens. Blaming the state administration for the situation, PM Modi said the TMC government had "crossed all limits" and described the incident as an insult to the President. He also criticised the way the issue of Santal culture had been handled, saying such an important subject should never be treated casually. Emphasising the importance of constitutional dignity, Modi added that the office of the President stands above politics and must always be respected.

Venue Change That Sparked the Row

The controversy began after the West Bengal government shifted the venue of the conference from Bidhannagar in Darjeeling district to Gossainpur in the Bagdogra area on the outskirts of Siliguri. According to the President, the decision made it difficult for many members of the Santal community to reach the event.

Murmu Questions Accessibility for Santal Community

Murmu said that after seeing the vast open spaces nearby, she felt the programme could have easily been organised there to accommodate a much larger gathering. "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 she was deeply saddened that people who had hoped to attend the conference were unable to reach the venue because of its location.

The situation became even more sensitive when the President referred to the absence of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and her Ministers during the visit. According to protocol, the Chief Minister or at least a senior minister is usually present to receive the President during official visits to a state. However, the only political representative present at the airport to receive Murmu was Siliguri Mayor Gautam Deb.

During her remarks, the President drew attention to this absence while also making a personal comment that struck an emotional note. "If the President visits a place, the Chief Minister and the Ministers should also come," she said. She added that she considers herself a daughter of Bengal and referred to Mamata Banerjee as her younger sister, saying she did not know whether the Chief Minister was upset with her.

Mamata Banerjee Rejects Allegations of Protocol Lapse

Responding to the growing controversy, Mamata Banerjee rejected allegations of any protocol violation. In a post on X, the Chief Minister said the President had been received and seen off strictly as per the approved lineup shared by the President's Secretariat. According to her, the President was welcomed by the Mayor of the Siliguri Municipal Corporation, the Darjeeling District Magistrate and the Commissioner of the Siliguri Police Commissionerate. Banerjee also suggested that the organisers of the conference may not have been adequately prepared and maintained that there had been no lapse on the part of the district administration.

Centre Seeks Detailed Report Over Murmu Visit

As the controversy continued to intensify, the Centre sought answers from the West Bengal administration over the circumstances surrounding the President's visit. Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan has asked the West Bengal Chief Secretary to submit a detailed report by 5 PM on Sunday regarding the alleged lapses during President Droupadi Murmu's recent trip to the state.

Home Ministry Flags Protocol and Logistical Concerns

According to sources cited by ANI, the report has been sought on multiple issues, including the failure to follow the prescribed protocol for receiving the President, the last-minute change in the venue of the International Santal Conference, alterations in the travel route, and other logistical arrangements made during her visit.

The Union Home Ministry is also seeking clarification on why key state officials - including the Chief Minister, the Chief Secretary and the Director General of Police - were not present during the President's arrival and departure. Sources further indicated that the Centre has flagged several logistical concerns during the visit, including reports of inadequate facilities at the venue and issues along the President's travel route.

Officials said the Centre has asked what action, if any, has been initiated against local authorities, including the Darjeeling District Magistrate, the Siliguri Police Commissioner and the Additional District Magistrate, in connection with the alleged lapses.

The developments come amid a growing political confrontation between the BJP-led central government and the Trinamool Congress administration in West Bengal over the handling of the President's visit. While BJP leaders have described the episode as evidence of serious administrative failure under the TMC government, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has strongly rejected the allegations and accused the BJP of politicising the office of the President.

Responding to criticism, Banerjee questioned why similar outrage was not expressed over incidents involving tribal communities in other states and accused the BJP of attempting to turn the issue into a political controversy ahead of elections.