Leaders Across Parties React to ‘Protocol Lapses’ During President Murmu’s West Bengal Visit
New Delhi: A political controversy has broken out across the country following allegations of protocol violations during President Droupadi Murmu’s recent visit to West Bengal, where he attended the International Santhal Conference near Bagdogra airport in Siliguri.
During the event, the President expressed disappointment over the low turnout and questioned the last minute change of venue from Phansidewa to somewhere near Uttoran Town in Bidhannagar. He also pointed out that West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and her cabinet members were not present during the visit.
The developments sparked reactions from many political leaders across the country.
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi said the incident had “deeply saddened” the people in Odisha and the tribal community across the country. Majhi, who belongs to the Santhal community, said Murmu’s rise to the presidency from Rairangpur symbolizes the aspirations of millions.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also criticized the West Bengal government, calling the incident “shameful and unprecedented” and accused the state government of insulting the President.
Vice President CP Radhakrishnan described these disruptions as “unfortunate” and emphasized that the office of the President, the highest constitutional authority in the country, should always receive the dignity and protocol it deserves.
In Telangana, Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy alleged that the arrangements during Murmu’s visit reflected a “blatant violation of protocol” and demanded an unconditional apology from the West Bengal government.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu said that the office of President represents the honor of the Republic and should be treated with utmost respect and courtesy at all times.
Former Uttar Pradesh chief minister Mayawati also urged political parties to avoid politicizing constitutional positions and emphasized the need to protect the dignity of the office of the President.
Meanwhile, Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister and Jana Sena Party chief Pawan Kalyan expressed concern over the circumstances surrounding the incident. Cultural gatherings that celebrate the heritage of tribal communities must ensure dignity, inclusion and appropriate administrative planning, he said in a social media post.
Kalyan said it was regrettable that members of the Santhal community had difficulty attending a conference held to celebrate their heritage.
“The office of the President of India enjoys the highest constitutional respect in our nation and should always be treated with the dignity it deserves,” he said.
The debate triggered a broader debate on protocol, governance and respect for constitutional institutions, particularly during official visits by the country’s top leaders.
