The political confrontation between the ruling party at the Centre and West Bengal’s governing party intensified after Prime Minister Narendra Modi criticised the Trinamool Congress (TMC) over alleged disrespect shown to President Droupadi Murmu during a recent event in the state. Addressing a gathering in New Delhi, Modi accused the TMC government of arrogance and engaging in divisive politics, asserting that the people of West Bengal would respond to what he described as an affront to the dignity of the President and the Constitution.
Referring to the 9th International Santal Conference held in Darjeeling, which President Murmu attended, the Prime Minister said the state administration failed to properly manage the event and did not accord the respect due to the head of state. He added that the President, who comes from a tribal background and has consistently advocated tribal welfare, deserved honour rather than neglect. Modi described the situation as both an insult to the President and a violation of constitutional decorum, warning that the ruling party in Bengal would face public backlash for what he called “dirty politics.”
President Murmu had earlier expressed dissatisfaction over the arrangements during the conference, including concerns about venue changes and crowd management. Highlighting these issues, Modi termed the episode “shameful” and “unprecedented,” saying it deeply hurt those who value democratic institutions and tribal empowerment. He stated that the emotional response of citizens reflected the seriousness of the matter and held the state administration responsible for the incident.
The Trinamool Congress strongly rejected the Prime Minister’s remarks and counterattacked the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), accusing it of politicising the President’s office. Party leaders alleged that constitutional institutions were being used for partisan purposes and demanded an apology from the Prime Minister.
TMC Member of Parliament Sagarika Ghose criticised the BJP and Modi on social media, alleging misuse of the high constitutional office of the President. She said the Prime Minister should apologise to the people of India, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, and the Santal community, and accused the BJP of turning the President’s chair into a political tool.
The exchange has added to the escalating political tensions between the BJP and the TMC, with both sides trading sharp accusations over protocol, governance, and respect for constitutional offices.
