West Bengal Chief MinisterMamata Banerjeeon Saturday broke her silence over the alleged protocol breach during the visit of President Droupadi Murmu to Siliguri, rejecting the allegations and accusing the BJP of politicising the issue. In a post on social media platform X, Banerjee said the President was received and seen off strictly according to the lineup approved by the President’s Secretariat and asserted that she was neither part of the official reception lineup nor the dais plan. The Trinamool Congress chief also hit out at the BJP, alleging that the party was “misusing and disrespecting the highest chair in the country” for its political agenda.

"After Advanced Security Liaison, district administration flagged in writing to the President’s Secretariat that the organiser appeared inadequately prepared; the concern was also conveyed telephonically (For relevant letters and photographs, see my related facebook post). The President’s Secretariat advance team visited on 05.03.26, was apprised of the lack of arrangements, yet the programme continued as scheduled," she wrote on X, explaining why the venue of President Murmu's event was shifted.

"Hon’ble President was received and seen off by Mayor Siliguri Municipal Corporation, DM Darjeeling and CP Siliguri Police Commissionerate strictly as per the approved lineup shared by the President’s Secretariat. CM, West Bengal was not part of the lineup or the dais plan. No protocol lapse happened on part of district administration. BJP is disrespecting and misusing the highest chair in the country for its own party agenda. Most unfortunate," Banerjee added.

Also Read:'Shameful & Unprecedented': PM Modi Slams TMC For 'Insulting' President Murmu In Bengal - What Happened During Her Visit?

President Droupadi Murmu on Saturday expressed dissatisfaction over the low turnout at a tribal community event held near Bagdogra airport, questioning the decision to shift the venue from Bidhannagar. President Murmu's event was initially scheduled to be held at Phansidewa in the same district. However, the organisers had to shift the venue at the last moment to a smaller location at Gossaipur after the state administration reportedly denied permission for the programme at Phansidewa on security grounds.

"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.

"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. Perhaps the state government does not want the welfare of tribals, and that is why they were prevented from coming here," Murmu 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.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also hit out at the TMC calling the matter "shameful" and "unprecedented".

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