President Murmu West Bengal visit draws protocol concerns after venue shift and low turnout

Vice President C P Radhakrishnan said lapses during President Droupadi Murmu’s West Bengal visit were unfortunate, stressing the dignity of the highest constitutional office. President Murmu cited low turnout at a tribal community event near Bagdogra, questioned the venue shift from Bidhannagar, and noted the absence of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and ministers.

Vice President C P Radhakrishnan on Saturday said lapses during President Droupadi Murmu’s West Bengal programme were unfortunate. C P Radhakrishnan said the country’s highest constitutional office must receive full dignity. The remarks came after President Murmu flagged concerns at a tribal community event near Bagdogra airport.

President Murmu expressed dismay over the low turnout at the tribal programme. President Murmu also questioned why the venue was moved from Bidhannagar. President Murmu noted the absence of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. President Murmu also observed that state ministers were not present during the visit.

President Murmu visit in West Bengal: venue change and turnout

The President’s programme was first planned at Phansidewa. It was later shifted near Uttoran Township at Bidhannagar Majhi Than. The new site was a few kilometres from Bagdogra airport. The change was linked to security protocol, according to details shared about the schedule.

President Murmu visit in West Bengal: C P Radhakrishnan response

C P Radhakrishnan said arrangements should match President Murmu’s constitutional position. C P Radhakrishnan said the dignity of the office must not be diluted. C P Radhakrishnan posted a message on X about the issue. "The office of the Honble President is the highest constitutional office of our Republic and must always receive the dignity, protocol and respect it deserves,\" Radhakrishnan posted on X.

President Murmu visit in West Bengal: Narendra Modi criticism

Prime Minister Narendra Modi separately criticised the West Bengal government over the visit. Narendra Modi accused the state government of insulting the President. Narendra Modi called the episode shameful and unprecedented. Narendra Modi also said the TMC dispensation truly crossed all limits.

The comments from C P Radhakrishnan and Narendra Modi followed President Murmu’s observations in West Bengal. The issues raised included attendance at the tribal event and the venue shift. President Murmu also drew attention to the absence of Mamata Banerjee and ministers. The matter added to the political dispute over protocol during the President’s visit.

With inputs from PTI