Fake news factory at it again: BJP slams Mamata over 'President standing' photo

The Bharatiya Janata Party on Monday hit back at West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee over her claim that President Droupadi Murmu was made to stand while Prime Minister Narendra Modi remained seated during the presentation of the Bharat Ratna to veteran BJP leader Lal Krishna Advani, accusing the Trinamool Congress of spreading misinformation and manufacturing outrage.

In a post on X, the BJP said the photograph circulated by the Trinamool Congress was being misrepresented and insisted that the ceremony had followed official protocol. According to the party, during the conferment of the Bharat Ratna, those present remain seated while the President presents the award, and there was no breach of decorum.

“TMC’s fake news factory is at it again,” the BJP said, adding that the party was attempting to twist “a dignified moment involving the Hon’ble President Droupadi Murmu, PM Shri Narendra Modi and Bharat Ratna Shri LK Advani for petty politics.”

The BJP also called on the Trinamool Congress to respect the dignity of the highest constitutional office instead of spreading misinformation.

PHOTOGRAPH FROM MARCH 2024 SPARKS ROW

The political exchange intensified after Banerjee displayed a photograph from March 2024 showing President Murmu conferring the Bharat Ratna on Advani while PM Modi was seated beside him.

Sharing the image, Banerjee accused the BJP of hypocrisy and questioned its criticism of the West Bengal government.

“This is for you, specially for the Prime Minister. You will not respect a tribal leader and President of India. President is standing and PM is sitting,” Banerjee said while addressing supporters.

She added, “I’m showing it because we do respect, but they don’t give respect.”

Banerjee also rejected allegations that her government had insulted the President during her recent visit to the state.

“We have full respect for the chair of the President and the Constitution of India, which we consider our mother; do not blame us,” she said.

ROW TRIGGERED BY PRESIDENT’S BENGAL VISIT

The controversy began after President Murmu, during a visit to north Bengal, raised concerns over arrangements at the 9th International Santal Conference held near Bagdogra.

The President questioned the low turnout at the event and the change of venue, and also pointed to the absence of Banerjee and other state ministers.

“Generally, when the President is coming, the CM should be welcoming her and other ministers should be present. But she did not come,” Murmu said.

She also remarked that the programme might have seen larger participation had it been held at the earlier venue.

“Had the programme been held there, it would have been better. I do not know why the state administration did not permit the meeting there,” she said.

MAMATA COUNTERS CRITICISM

Responding to the President’s remarks, Banerjee accused the BJP of politicising the issue and said the event attended by Murmu had not been organised by the state government.

She said Siliguri Mayor Gautam Deb had represented the administration and added that the state government had not been consulted by the private organisers about the programme’s arrangements.

Banerjee also questioned the BJP’s criticism of her government, saying the Prime Minister attacks West Bengal whenever elections approach.

“When the election comes, the Prime Minister as a vote bird attacks Bengal,” she said.

CENTRE SEEKS EXPLANATION FROM BENGAL

Amid the escalating dispute, the Centre has sought a report from the West Bengal government regarding alleged protocol lapses during the President’s visit.

According to reports, the Union home secretary has asked the state chief secretary to explain possible violations of the ‘Blue Book’ rules governing security and protocol for the President, Vice-President and Prime Minister.

The communication reportedly seeks details about the absence of the chief minister, chief secretary and director general of police when the President arrived, along with information about arrangements at the venue and along the route.

POLITICAL REACTIONS POUR IN

The controversy has also triggered reactions from leaders across the political spectrum. Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan described the reported lapses as “unfortunate” and said the dignity of the country’s highest constitutional office must always be upheld.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu and Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi also expressed concern over the issue.

Defending the state government, West Bengal minister Shashi Panja said Banerjee had already clarified the matter and accused the Prime Minister of turning the controversy into a political issue.

The exchange has added fresh intensity to the political contest between the BJP and the Trinamool Congress in poll-bound West Bengal, where tribal communities hold significant influence across several constituencies in north Bengal and the Jangalmahal region.

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