Any disrespect to President Murmu deeply regrettable, unacceptable: Edappadi Palaniswami

In the wake of President Droupadi Murmu expressing disappointment with the West Bengal government over the conduct of an event in that State, AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami on Sunday (March 8, 2026) said any such disrespect was deeply regrettable and unacceptable.

In a social media post, Mr. Palaniswami said it was "deeply saddening that our Hon’ble President had to publicly express anguish over such an incident. He added, "Constitutional offices are not mere ceremonial symbols - they embody the dignity of our Republic."

Without naming anyone, he said: "Those entrusted with governance carry the responsibility of ensuring that administrative conduct always reflects due respect to the nation’s highest office."

AMMK founder T.T.V. Dhinakaran too condemned the incident and said West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee should tender an apology to the members of the tribal communities.

Terming the incident as a "premeditated insult" on the President, Mr. Dhinakaran said the President “who was beyond politics” was insulted for political reasons.

The protocol of either the Chief Minister or a Minister welcoming the President on arrival has been violated, Mr. Dhinakaran said and added the venue for the event was changed in the eleventh hour and such actions amounted to insulting the President.