Was President Murmu insulted in West Bengal? PM Modi says Mamata govt ‘crossed all limits’

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday launched a scathing attack on the Mamata Banerjee government in West Bengal over the alleged insult to President Droupadi Murmu during the International Santal Conference in Darjeeling.

Modi accused the Trinamool Congress (TMC) government of “crossing all limits” and held the state administration responsible for the incident.

“The Trinamool Congress government in West Bengal has truly crossed all limits. Their administration is responsible for this insult to the President,” Modi wrote in a post on X.

His reaction came after President Murmu expressed disappointment over the state government’s “failure” to follow protocol, pointing out the absence of the chief minister and other senior ministers at the event held near Bagdogra airport. Murmu also questioned the decision to shift the venue from Bidhannagar and expressed dissatisfaction over the low turnout.

“This is shameful and unprecedented. People who believe in the empowerment of democracy and the tribal community are all deeply hurt,” Modi said, alleging that the pain expressed by President Murmu—who herself hails from a tribal community—had saddened many people.

Modi added that the Office of the President is above politics and its sanctity must always be respected. “One hopes better sense prevails among the West Bengal government and the Trinamool Congress,” he said.

Earlier, while pointing out the alleged protocol violation, Murmu said the chief minister should have been present to welcome the President.

“Generally, when the President is coming, the CM should be welcoming, and other ministers should be present. But she did not come. The governor has changed and could not come. But because the date was fixed, I have come. But it's okay. I would like to thank you for coming here,” she told the gathering.

The annual programme was originally scheduled to be held at Bidhannagar in Siliguri but was later shifted to Goshaipur near Bagdogra airport, with officials citing security and logistical reasons.

Murmu expressed her displeasure over the change of venue, suggesting the state government might not want the welfare of tribals.

“Had the programme been held there (at Bidhannagar), it would have been better. There is ample space there, and many people could have attended. But I do not know why the state administration did not permit the meeting there. Today's programme is being held at such a place that it is difficult for people to come,” she said.

“Mamata Banerjee is like my younger sister. I am also a daughter of Bengal. But I do not know why I was not allowed to come here. I do not know whether she is upset, and that is why the venue was shifted. Anyway, that does not matter. All of you stay well,” the President said.