A major political controversy erupted after the Union government sought a detailed report from the West Bengal administration over alleged protocol lapses during the visit of President Droupadi Murmu to Darjeeling.
Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan has directed the West Bengal Chief Secretary to submit a comprehensive report by 5:00 pm on Sunday (March 8). The report will examine alleged irregularities in arrangements for the 9th International Santal Conference, including the sudden change in venue and accessibility concerns for members of the Santal tribal community.
The development has triggered a fierce political confrontation between the ruling Trinamool Congress led by Mamata Banerjee and the Bharatiya Janata Party.
Why Did President Murmu Question the Venue Choice in Darjeeling?
During the conference, President Murmu expressed concern about the decision to organise the event at a remote location, saying the venue prevented many members of the Santal community from attending.
She also highlighted the absence of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and senior ministers during her visit.
“If the President visits, the Chief Minister should come,” Murmu said while addressing the gathering, adding that she considers herself a “daughter of Bengal.”
She also remarked, “Mamata Didi is my younger sister. I don’t know if she was angry with me,” expressing disappointment over the situation.
The event was organised by the International Santal Council, a global cultural organisation representing the Santal tribal community. The body operates independently and is not directly part of the state or central government, though local authorities sometimes assist in logistical arrangements for such events.
What Did BJP Leaders Say About President Murmu’s Treatment?
The issue quickly escalated nationally, with several BJP leaders accusing the West Bengal government of disrespecting the country’s highest constitutional office.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the development as “shameful and unprecedented,” saying it was painful to see a tribal President treated this way.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah also attacked the state government, alleging that it had humiliated the President by ignoring established protocol.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said the emotional remarks made by the President were “rare and deeply painful.”
Other BJP leaders including Piyush Goyal, Bhupender Yadav, G. Kishan Reddy and Giriraj Singh also criticised the incident, calling it an insult to tribal dignity and democratic values.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis also joined the criticism, alleging deliberate disrespect.
How Did Mamata Banerjee Respond to the Protocol Lapse Allegations?
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee rejected the allegations and said there had been no violation of protocol by the state administration.
According to her, the conference was organised by a private body and the invitation was sent directly to Rashtrapati Bhavan without going through the state government.
Banerjee said district officials had earlier informed the President’s office that the organisers were not fully prepared to host the event.
Posting on social media platform X, she accused the BJP of trying to politicise the President’s position.
“There was no lapse by the administration. BJP is politicising the highest constitutional chair,” Banerjee said.
Why Was Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee Absent During President Murmu’s Visit?
Mamata Banerjee said the state government was not directly involved in organising the conference and therefore the arrangements were primarily handled by the organisers and central authorities. She also stated that the invitation was sent directly to Rashtrapati Bhavan.
The Chief Minister maintained that there was no deliberate attempt by the state government to avoid the President’s visit.
What Were the Alleged Protocol Lapses During President Murmu’s Visit?
The alleged lapses include the last-minute shift of the conference venue from Bidhannagar to a remote location in Darjeeling, limited public attendance and the absence of senior state leaders at the event.
Critics claim these factors created an embarrassing situation for the President during the visit.
Who Organised the 9th International Santal Conference in Darjeeling?
The conference was organised by the International Santal Council, which represents the Santal tribal community across several countries. It is an independent organisation and not directly controlled by the state or central government.
Centre Awaits Crucial Report
With the Union Home Ministry seeking a detailed explanation from the West Bengal government, the issue has now turned into a significant political confrontation between New Delhi and Kolkata.
Officials said the report will assess whether there were lapses in protocol, security coordination and event management during the President’s visit.
According to officials familiar with the matter, the directive for the report and the 5 pm deadline was issued through a communication from the Union Home Ministry to the West Bengal Chief Secretary after the President’s remarks at the event.
The findings of the report could determine whether the controversy subsides or escalates further in the ongoing BJP–TMC political rivalry.
