PM Modi Slams TMC Government Over Protocol Row Involving President Murmu
Prime Minister says West Bengal administration disrespected the constitutional office during tribal community event.
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday strongly criticised the government in West Bengal over a controversy related to the reception and arrangements made for Droupadi Murmu during a recent tribal community programme.
Reacting to remarks made by the President, Modi said the administration led by the All India Trinamool Congress had shown disregard for a constitutional office. He described the situation as “shameful and unprecedented,” adding that people who believe in democratic values and the empowerment of tribal communities were deeply disappointed.
The response came after Murmu shared concerns on X regarding the arrangements for the event she attended. According to the President, the venue had been shifted to a location that made it difficult for members of the tribal community to participate, and she was not accorded the protocol normally expected during such visits.
The Prime Minister said the concerns expressed by Murmu, who herself comes from a tribal background, had saddened many across the country. He also criticised the state administration for what he described as an insult to the office of the President.
Modi further remarked that an important cultural subject such as the heritage of the Santal community should have been treated with greater seriousness by the state authorities.
Responding to the criticism, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee accused the Bharatiya Janata Party of politicising the issue ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections in the state. She alleged that the President’s visit was being used for political purposes.
