The controversy began after President Droupadi Murmu raised concerns during her address at the 9th International Santal Conference, highlighting issues related to the organisation of the programme.
In a rare public remark, the President questioned why the venue for the conference had been shifted from Bidhannagar to a smaller location in Goshaipur near Bagdogra Airport.
According to her remarks, the last-minute change meant that many members of the Santal community were unable to attend the event.
The President also expressed concern that neither Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee nor any minister from the state government was present to receive her, describing the absence as a breach of established protocol.
During her speech, Murmu reportedly wondered whether the Chief Minister was upset with her, even referring to Banerjee as her “younger sister,” while expressing sadness that many tribal attendees had to remain outside the venue due to limited space.
Reports suggest that the Government of West Bengal had denied permission for the programme at the original venue citing security reasons, prompting organisers to move the event to a smaller site.
Reacting strongly to the development, Prime Minister Narendra Modi criticised the All India Trinamool Congress government, accusing it of crossing all limits.
Calling the incident “shameful and unprecedented,” Modi said people who believe in democracy and the empowerment of tribal communities were deeply hurt by what had happened.
He also emphasised that the office of the President is above political considerations, and that the sentiments expressed by President Murmu, who herself belongs to a tribal community, had caused sadness across the country.
The Prime Minister urged the West Bengal government to exercise greater sensitivity and respect constitutional offices.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah also criticised the state government, accusing the All India Trinamool Congress of reaching a new low in political conduct.
Shah alleged that the President had been humiliated through what he described as a glaring disregard for established protocol during the event.
The remarks added to the growing political confrontation between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the ruling TMC in West Bengal.
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee responded sharply to the criticism, accusing the BJP of politicising the President’s visit to the state.
She also pointed out that frequent presidential visits during the election period made it difficult for her to attend every programme personally.
Senior All India Trinamool Congress leader Abhishek Banerjee also countered the criticism, suggesting that the upcoming elections in the state represent a direct contest between the people of Bengal and the BJP along with central agencies.
The controversy has intensified the already charged political environment in West Bengal, where tensions between the Bharatiya Janata Party and All India Trinamool Congress have been escalating.
BJP leaders have described the episode as a sign of what they called a “constitutional collapse” under the Banerjee government.
With the West Bengal Assembly elections approaching, the dispute over the President’s visit is likely to remain a major flashpoint in the political battle between the two parties.
