A political confrontation between the West Bengal government and the Centre has intensified ahead of the state assembly elections after Droupadi Murmu raised concerns over arrangements during her visit to Siliguri.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee accused the Centre and the Bharatiya Janata Party of disrespecting and misusing the country’s highest office for political purposes.
The President had questioned why the Chief Minister did not receive her and also pointed to the change of venue and the low turnout at the programme.
In a social media post, CM Banerjee said the district administration had already flagged concerns over the arrangements at the venue chosen for the event.
The programme was organised by the International Santal Council, a private organisation, for the 9th International Adivasi Santal Conference in Siliguri.
Banerjee said that after an Advanced Security Liaison, the district administration informed the President’s Secretariat in writing that the organiser appeared inadequately prepared. The concern was also conveyed over the phone.
She added that the President’s Secretariat advance team visited on March 5, 2026 and was informed about the lack of arrangements, but the programme continued as scheduled.
Mamata Banerjee said the President was received and seen off by the Mayor of Siliguri Municipal Corporation, the District Magistrate of Darjeeling and the Siliguri Police Commissioner in accordance with the approved lineup shared by the President’s Secretariat.
She said the Chief Minister of West Bengal was not part of the lineup or the dais plan and insisted that there was no protocol lapse by the district administration.
“BJP is disrespecting and misusing the highest chair in the country for its own party agenda. Most unfortunate," she said.
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