West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee responded to remarks made by President Droupadi Murmu regarding arrangements during her recent visit to the state, asserting that neither she nor her ministers were scheduled to attend the programme under the officially approved protocol. Banerjee said the reception and event lineup had been finalised by the President’s Secretariat and did not include her presence.
Earlier, the President had expressed dissatisfaction over the relocation of her event venue from Bidhannagar to Goshaipur in Darjeeling district, noting that the turnout at the revised location was reportedly low. She also questioned why the Chief Minister or any state minister was absent from a tribal-focused programme where she was the chief guest.
Responding to the concerns, Banerjee said the event had been organised by the International Santal Council, which she described as a private organisation, and that the state government was not the host. She stated that official documents showed no reference to Bidhannagar as the original venue and indicated that Goshaipur had been the designated location from the beginning.
The Chief Minister further said the Siliguri district administration had flagged concerns to the President’s Secretariat in advance, citing inadequate arrangements at the venue. According to her, the concerns were conveyed both in writing and through telephonic communication. She also shared photographs that she said were taken two days prior to the visit, showing an open field without necessary infrastructure for a public gathering.
Banerjee stated that an advance team from the President’s Secretariat visited the site on March 5 and was informed about the preparedness issues, but the programme proceeded as scheduled. She maintained that the district administration followed protocol throughout the visit.
According to the Chief Minister, the President was formally received and seen off by the Mayor of Siliguri Municipal Corporation, the Darjeeling District Magistrate, and the Police Commissioner of the Siliguri Police Commissionerate, in accordance with the pre-approved lineup. She emphasised that her name did not appear in the dais plan or reception list and said there was no protocol lapse on the part of the state administration.
Banerjee also criticised the Bharatiya Janata Party, alleging that the party was politicising the office of the President for its own agenda. She described the situation as unfortunate.
Earlier in the day, Banerjee had accused the President of acting under political influence following comments made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi that were critical of the Trinamool Congress government. She alleged that the President’s actions were guided by the BJP’s political direction and expressed regret over the developments while stating that she continues to respect the office.
Addressing a gathering in Kolkata, Banerjee also referred to the timing of the President’s visits, saying that frequent visits during the election period made it impractical for the state leadership to attend every engagement. She remarked that while annual visits could be accommodated, repeated appearances during politically sensitive periods created logistical challenges.
