President Murmu Visit Row: Centre Asks Bengal for Detailed Report on Protocol Lapses

Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan has asked West Bengal Chief Secretary Nandini Chakravorty for a detailed report on alleged protocol and administrative lapses during President Droupadi Murmu's recent visit to the state, intensifying the political clash between the Trinamool Congress government and the BJP-led Centre.

Officials said the Union Home Secretary has highlighted several serious concerns linked to the President's programme in north Bengal, and has demanded written clarification from the state administration. The reply has been sought by 5 pm, adding urgency to an already tense stand-off over respect and protocol for the country's Head of State.

President Droupadi Murmu visit West Bengal: issues flagged by Centre

According to sources, Govind Mohan raised four specific questions on arrangements for President Droupadi Murmu. These relate to the absence of top state officials, poor amenities, the chosen travel route, and accountability of local officers. The communication asks what corrective or disciplinary action, if any, has been taken so far.

President Droupadi Murmu visit West Bengal: remarks on arrangements and venue

Earlier during the visit, President Droupadi Murmu had publicly voiced disappointment over several aspects of the event in Bengal, including arrangements, the venue and the absence of senior state leaders. The comments, made at a tribal programme, triggered an immediate political storm and sharpened attacks from the BJP on the Trinamool Congress government.

"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 questioned the last-minute venue change and the relatively thin crowd at the event. "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.

Despite the criticism, President Droupadi Murmu also referred to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in familiar terms, and tried to lower the temperature. "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.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee later responded through a social media post, stressing that local officials had already warned about poor readiness at the original venue selected for President Droupadi Murmu's visit. Banerjee said the objections were formally placed before the President's Secretariat, and also discussed over phone before the programme went ahead.

"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.

Defending district officials, Mamata Banerjee stated that protocol for President Droupadi Murmu's visit was followed as per instructions received. "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.

Banerjee also accused the BJP of politicising the Presidency. "BJP is disrespecting and misusing the highest chair in the country for its own party agenda. Most unfortunate," she said, responding to criticism over her absence during President Droupadi Murmu's public event in the state.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi strongly condemned the episode around President Droupadi Murmu's visit to West Bengal, calling it an insult to the office. Prime Minister Narendra Modi linked the matter to tribal pride, pointing out the President's own background, and said people across India were hurt by the developments.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote on X that the handling of the visit was a serious matter. "Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the developments as "shameful and unprecedented". "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 Prime Minister also directly blamed the Trinamool Congress government over arrangements linked to President Droupadi Murmu's programme. "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.

With elections in West Bengal due in the next couple of months, both the BJP and Trinamool Congress are using the row over President Droupadi Murmu's visit to sharpen their campaigns. The dispute has quickly become another flashpoint in a long-running tussle between the Centre and the state government.

Trinamool Congress general secretary Abhishek Banerjee hit back at the Centre and its allies, presenting the controversy around President Droupadi Murmu's visit as part of a wider political confrontation. "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 exchange over President Droupadi Murmu's visit to West Bengal has now moved from the event venue to official correspondence, social media and electoral messaging. With the Union Home Secretary seeking explanations from the state administration, and both sides trading charges, the issue has become a central talking point in Bengal's charged pre-poll atmosphere.