Mamata Criticises Modi Over Presidential Protocol Controversy

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has launched a pointed rebuttal against Prime Minister Narendra Modi amid ongoing political tensions, following criticism over her handling of President Droupadi Murmu’s recent visit to Darjeeling. The exchange has added a new layer to the growing rivalry between the two leaders.

At a public rally on Sunday, 8 March, Mamata displayed a photograph from 31 March 2024, when President Murmu presented the Bharat Ratna to L. K. Advani. The image shows the President standing while Prime Minister Modi is seated beside her. Using the photograph as evidence, Mamata questioned the Prime Minister’s respect for the nation’s first tribal woman President.

Mamata’s Remarks

Addressing Modi directly, Mamata stated: “Honourable Prime Minister, this is for you. Do you respect the President? She is a woman and a tribal leader. Then why is the President standing while you are sitting?” She argued that while the Prime Minister often speaks of respecting the office of the President, the photograph reveals who truly honours the position.

Mamata further criticised Modi for his political appearances in West Bengal during election campaigns, accusing him of speaking carelessly and using the President’s visit for political leverage. She claimed the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was exploiting the country’s highest constitutional office for partisan gains.

Background of the Controversy

The dispute arose when President Murmu attended the Ninth International Santhal Conference in Darjeeling. During her speech, she expressed disappointment that neither the Chief Minister nor other ministers had formally welcomed her. Addressing Mamata as her “younger sister,” the President remarked that she had come as a daughter of Bengal and was unaware why the Chief Minister had not attended. She also voiced frustration over venue changes and inadequate state support, suggesting that the state administration may not prioritise the welfare of tribal communities.

In response, Prime Minister Modi described the incident on X (formerly Twitter) as “shameful and unprecedented,” stating that the disrespect shown to a President from a tribal background deeply wounded the conscience of the Indian people. He accused the West Bengal government of violating constitutional norms and failing to uphold the dignity of the office during International Women’s Day celebrations.

Mamata denied the allegations of protocol violations, explaining that the event was organised by a private entity, the International Santhal Council, and that the district administration had formally informed the President’s office that the organisers lacked the capacity to manage such an important function. She confirmed that the Mayor of Siliguri and the Police Commissioner had welcomed the President, while the Chief Minister’s name did not appear on the approved protocol list, explaining her absence.

Meanwhile, the Union Home Secretary, Govind Mohan, has reportedly asked the West Bengal Chief Secretary to submit a report regarding potential breaches of protocol during the President’s visit.

Key Facts

The incident has reignited debates on the respect accorded to constitutional offices, tribal representation, and the intersection of politics and protocol in India. Analysts note that the episode illustrates the growing political polarisation in West Bengal and the central government’s involvement in state affairs, raising questions about protocol, courtesy, and political optics.