Mamata Banerjee counters President's remarks with pre-approved Bengal visit plan

Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has hit back at President Droupadi Murmu after the latter's remarks on the way she was treated during her visit to the state. Earlier in the day, Murmu complained about the change of her location from Bidhannagar to Goshaipur (both in Darjeeling), where the turnout was reportedly low. She also wondered why neither Banerjee nor any of her ministers were present at a tribals-focused programme where the President was the chief guest. Now, Banerjee has countered, saying that she and her ministers were never supposed to be present as per the lineup approved by the President's Secretariat and that the event was arranged by a private organisation. The documents also have no mention of Bidhannagar being the initial location.

Mamata Banerjee also said that the Siliguri distict administration had flagged a lack of adequate arrangements at the venue, which documents shared by her showed was originally supposed to be in Goshaipur, to the President's Secretariat ahead of the latter's visit. Pictures the Bengal CM shared, claiming to be two days before Murmu's visit, showed a barren field with no structures needed for a public gathering.

"(The) International Santal Council, a private organisation, invited Hon'ble President to the 9th International Adivasi Santal Conference in Siliguri. 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. The President’s Secretariat advance team visited on 05.03.26, was apprised of the lack of arrangements, yet the programme continued as scheduled," The Bengal CM tweeted as well as posted on Facebook.

She further said that Murmu was received and seen off by the Siliguri Mayor, Darjeeling DM and Siliguri CP as per the pre-approved lineup by the President's team. "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 the part of district administration," her post read.

She then slammed the BJP for "disrespecting and misusing the highest chair in the country for its own party agenda". "Most unfortunate," Banerjee added.

Earlier in the day, the Bengal CM accused the President of acting on behalf of the BJP after the matter escalated following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "shameful and unprecedented" jabs at the Trinamool Congress government.

Banerjee alleged that politics were being played by using the President "on the advice of the BJP". "I feel ashamed to even say this. We respect the Honourable President. But, she too, has been sent to sell politics...I am sorry, madam. I have great regard for you, but you are being guided by BJP policies and BJP instructions," the Bengal CM said, addressing a gathering in Kolkata.

She also talked about Murmu's visit coincident with the election fever in the state. "If you come once a year, I can welcome you. But, if you come repeatedly during election time, how is it possible for me to attend everything? Are we supposed to keep following you all the time? Should we roam around with a spool like someone flying a kite? Kites are flown during Vishwakarma Puja, once a year," the Trinamool boss further said.

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