Mamata Banerjee Defends Protocol During President Murmu's Visit to Tribal Conference
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has defended the adherence to protocol during President Droupadi Murmu's visit to the Ninth International Santhal Conference in Siliguri. She emphasized that the event was organized by a private entity and clarified that there were no breaches of protocol by the district administration. Banerjee also criticized the BJP for allegedly misusing the highest constitutional office for political gain, calling the situation unfortunate. The controversy escalated after the President expressed disappointment over the event's arrangements and the absence of the Chief Minister. Read on for more details.
| Mar 8, 2026, 13:25 IST
Chief Minister's Clarification on Protocol Issues
West Bengal's Chief Minister, Mamata Banerjee, stated that there was no breach of protocol during President Droupadi Murmu's recent visit to the Ninth International Santhal Conference held in Siliguri. She clarified that the event was organized by a private organization. In her statement, Banerjee mentioned that the International Santhal Council had invited the President to participate in the conference.
She noted that following enhanced security coordination, the district administration had informed the President's secretariat in writing that the organizers' preparations appeared inadequate; this concern was also communicated via phone.
According to Banerjee, an advance team from the President's secretariat visited the venue on March 5 and alerted them about the lack of arrangements, yet the event proceeded as scheduled. She further explained that the welcome and farewell for the honorable President were conducted according to an approved list shared by the President's secretariat, which included the Mayor of Siliguri, the DM of Darjeeling, and the CP of Siliguri Police. The Chief Minister of West Bengal was not part of this list or the stage plan, and there was no violation of protocol from the district administration's side.
Banerjee also accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of disrespecting and misusing the highest constitutional office for its party agenda, labeling the situation as extremely unfortunate.
She reiterated that the BJP was dishonoring and exploiting the highest office in the country for its political motives, which she found to be very regrettable.
A political controversy arose after the President expressed disappointment over the events at the Ninth International Santhal Conference, questioned the choice of venue, and lamented that many members of the Santhal community could not attend the event. The President also commented on the absence of the West Bengal Chief Minister.