TNI Bureau: A political controversy has intensified after West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee responded strongly to concerns raised by President Droupadi Murmu over alleged protocol lapses during the President’s recent visit to the state.
In a detailed public statement, Banerjee rejected the allegations and maintained that the state government had followed the official schedule shared by the President’s office. Speaking firmly in a video message, she said district officials and senior administrative officers were present as per protocol and that the arrangements had been made according to the approved programme.
The Chief Minister said the event in question — the 9th International Santal Conference in Siliguri in Darjeeling district — was organised by a community body and not directly by the state government. According to her, the organisers had decided the venue while the administration provided necessary support.
During her speech, Banerjee also highlighted the work done by her government for tribal and Santali communities in West Bengal. She listed several welfare initiatives aimed at improving the lives of tribal people, including social security schemes, financial assistance programmes and efforts to promote tribal culture and language.
She emphasised that the state government has recognised Santali as an important language in administration and education and has taken steps to support tribal students through scholarships and development programmes. Banerjee also said special funds and welfare schemes have been implemented for tribal communities across different districts of the state.
At the same time, she argued that the controversy over the President’s visit was being unnecessarily politicised. Banerjee said constitutional offices should not be drawn into political disputes and urged that the matter be viewed in its proper context.
“Don’t play politics during the election year at the behest of BJP”, Mamata told President Droupadi Murmu, in a hard hitting message.
The remarks have triggered a sharp political exchange, with the Bharatiya Janata Party accusing the state government of disrespecting the President, while the ruling All India Trinamool Congress has defended the Chief Minister’s stance. The episode has further escalated political tensions in the state.
