The Bharatiya Janata Party on Monday strongly rejected West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s allegation that President Droupadi Murmu was made to stand while Prime Minister Narendra Modi remained seated during the Bharat Ratna presentation to veteran leader Lal Krishna Advani, accusing the Trinamool Congress of spreading misinformation and attempting to manufacture controversy.
In a statement posted on X, the BJP said the photograph shared by the Trinamool Congress was being misrepresented and maintained that the ceremony followed established protocol. The party clarified that during the conferment of the Bharat Ratna, attendees remain seated while the President presents the award, and therefore there was no breach of decorum.
Calling the episode a distortion of facts, the BJP said a dignified moment involving the President, the Prime Minister and Advani was being politicised for narrow political gain. It urged the Trinamool Congress to uphold the dignity of the highest constitutional office instead of circulating misleading claims.
The political dispute escalated after Banerjee displayed a photograph from March 2024 showing President Murmu presenting the Bharat Ratna to Advani while Modi was seated nearby. Referring to the image, Banerjee accused the BJP of hypocrisy and questioned its criticism of her government, saying respect was not being shown to a tribal leader holding the country’s top constitutional post.
She asserted that her government respects the office of the President and the Constitution, rejecting allegations that West Bengal authorities had shown any disrespect during Murmu’s recent visit to the state.
The controversy traces back to the President’s visit to north Bengal, where she raised concerns about arrangements at the 9th International Santal Conference held near Bagdogra. Murmu questioned the change of venue, the reportedly low attendance and the absence of the chief minister and other state ministers at the event.
She remarked that conventionally the chief minister and senior officials receive the President and suggested that participation might have been higher had the programme been held at the earlier venue.
Responding to these remarks, Banerjee accused the BJP of politicising the matter and clarified that the event attended by the President was organised by a private body rather than the state government. She said Siliguri Mayor Gautam Deb represented the administration and added that state authorities had not been consulted regarding event arrangements.
Banerjee also criticised what she described as recurring political attacks on West Bengal ahead of elections, alleging that the Prime Minister targets the state during poll seasons.
Amid the growing dispute, the Centre has reportedly sought a formal explanation from the West Bengal government regarding possible protocol lapses during the President’s visit. The Union home secretary has asked the state chief secretary to submit a report addressing adherence to the ‘Blue Book’ protocol rules governing security and ceremonial procedures for the President, Vice-President and Prime Minister.
The communication seeks clarification on the absence of senior state officials during the President’s arrival and details regarding arrangements at the venue and along the travel route.
Political leaders across parties have reacted to the controversy. Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan termed the reported lapses unfortunate and emphasised the need to preserve the dignity of the country’s highest constitutional office. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi also expressed concern.
Defending the state government, West Bengal minister Shashi Panja said Banerjee had already clarified the situation and accused the Prime Minister of turning the issue into a political confrontation.
The episode has intensified political tensions between the BJP and the Trinamool Congress in poll-bound West Bengal, where tribal communities play an influential role across several constituencies in north Bengal and the Jangalmahal region.
