Bengal Blame Game: Modi Slams TMC for ‘Gross Insult’ to President, Mamata Fires Back with Photo

A political storm erupted between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee over an alleged breach of protocol during the visit of President Droupadi Murmu to North Bengal.

What began as celebrations for International Women’s Day quickly turned into a heated political confrontation, with both sides trading sharp accusations over respect for the President and the management of a major public event.

Controversy Over President Murmu’s Event in North Bengal

The controversy stems from President Murmu’s participation as the chief guest at the 9th International Santhal Conference held in the Darjeeling district of West Bengal.

According to reports, the venue of the event was shifted from Bidhannagar in Phansidewa block to Goshaipur due to security and crowd-management concerns. However, the change allegedly caused inconvenience and reportedly upset the President as no senior state official was present to receive her at the venue.

The development soon sparked political criticism, with the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party accusing the state government of disrespecting the President.

PM Modi Accuses TMC of “Insulting” the President

Addressing a public rally, Prime Minister Narendra Modi strongly criticised the All India Trinamool Congress government.

“The country is celebrating International Women’s Day, but in West Bengal the TMC government has grossly insulted President Droupadi Murmu,” Modi said.

He further alleged that the state government’s actions reflected political arrogance. “From the national capital, I appeal to all of you that TMC’s dirty politics and arrogance of power will soon be shattered,” he added.

Mamata Banerjee Hits Back With Counter Allegations

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee responded sharply to the Prime Minister’s remarks, accusing the central government of unfairly targeting West Bengal.

During her response, she displayed a photograph from a past ceremony in which President Murmu stood while conferring the Bharat Ratna on veteran BJP leader Lal Krishna Advani while Prime Minister Modi remained seated.

“This is especially for the Prime Minister. You do not respect the country’s President or a tribal leader,” Banerjee said.

She also maintained that concerns regarding the venue were a matter related to central arrangements and reiterated that the state government holds the President in the highest regard.

“We respect the President, but they do not give respect,” she added.Political Tensions Rise Ahead of Electoral Battles

The TMC has denied allegations of any protocol violation, insisting that all arrangements were made appropriately. However, BJP leaders have intensified their criticism, accusing the Mamata Banerjee government of insulting a woman tribal President.

The controversy has further escalated political tensions in West Bengal, where rivalry between the BJP and TMC has remained intense ahead of future electoral contests.

With both sides continuing their war of words, the issue has quickly turned into a major political flashpoint in the state.