PresidentVisit – Protocol Dispute Intensifies After President Murmu’s West Bengal Trip

PresidentVisit – A fresh political dispute has emerged following President Droupadi Murmu’s recent visit to West Bengal, after Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi formally raised concerns about alleged protocol lapses during the trip. In a letter addressed to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Majhi expressed disappointment over the handling of the President’s visit and warned that the episode had cast an unnecessary shadow over the state’s public image.

The matter quickly escalated into a wider political debate, drawing reactions from national leaders and intensifying tensions between rival parties ahead of upcoming state elections.

Concerns Raised Over Alleged Protocol Violations

In his communication to the West Bengal government, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi stated that the events surrounding the President’s visit created an avoidable controversy. He emphasized that West Bengal has long been regarded as a region known for cultural refinement, civic values and respect for democratic institutions.

According to Majhi, any lapse involving the country’s highest constitutional office carries broader implications and deserves careful review. His remarks came shortly after President Murmu attended a Santhal tribal cultural programme in West Bengal on March 7.

The President had been invited to participate in the event, which was part of the 9th International Santal Conference. However, concerns were later raised about arrangements made during the visit.

Political Reactions Intensify Ahead of Elections

The controversy gained national attention on March 8 when Prime Minister Narendra Modi and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee exchanged sharp remarks over the issue.

While speaking at a public event in New Delhi on International Women’s Day, Prime Minister Modi criticized the state government and described the situation as a sign of disrespect toward the President’s office. His comments suggested that the incident reflected poorly on the state administration.

The remarks triggered strong responses from leaders of the Trinamool Congress, which governs West Bengal.

Mamata Banerjee Rejects Allegations

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee rejected the accusations and said her government had not been responsible for organizing the event where the alleged lapses occurred.

Speaking while participating in a protest demonstration, Banerjee explained that she had been engaged in a public dharna and was therefore unable to attend the programme. She also stated that the city’s mayor had been present during the President’s visit.

Banerjee said she was unaware of the event schedule before her protest began and insisted that her absence should not be interpreted as a lack of respect toward the President.

She further clarified that the arrangements at the venue were handled by the organisers rather than the state administration.

Questions Over Event Arrangements

Banerjee also addressed claims related to logistical issues raised during the visit, including concerns about facilities and arrangements at the venue. According to her statement, some of the locations mentioned in the reports fall under the authority of the Airports Authority of India rather than the state government.

She added that the green room and other facilities were prepared by the event organisers and not by officials of the West Bengal administration.

The Chief Minister maintained that her government respects constitutional institutions and emphasized that any shortcomings should be attributed to the agencies responsible for managing the event.

President Expresses Disappointment

President Droupadi Murmu herself had earlier voiced dissatisfaction with certain aspects of the arrangements during the conference. Speaking at the event, she questioned the choice of venue and expressed regret that many members of the Santhal community were unable to attend the programme.

The President also noted the absence of senior representatives from the West Bengal government during her visit. She observed that it is customary for state leaders, including the chief minister and ministers, to be present when the President visits a state.

Murmu’s remarks added to the controversy and prompted further political responses from different parties.

Report Ordered on Protocol Issues

Authorities have now sought a detailed report examining several aspects of the visit. These include whether the established protocol for receiving the President was properly followed, why last-minute changes were made to the event venue, and whether logistical arrangements such as transportation routes were altered without adequate coordination.

Officials are expected to review the circumstances surrounding the visit in order to clarify responsibilities and avoid similar controversies in the future.

The issue continues to draw political attention as parties position themselves ahead of the upcoming assembly elections in West Bengal.