West Bengal-Centre Face-Off Over Lapses During President’s Siliguri Visit
PM Modi criticises Bengal government over President Murmu’s visit; TMC hits back, calling BJP politically motivated.
Tensions between the Union Government and the West Bengal administration escalated after reports of alleged lapses during President Droupadi Murmu’s recent visit to the state. Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan has sought a detailed report from West Bengal Chief Secretary Nandini Chakravorty regarding the arrangements for the President’s event.
He highlighted four key concerns: absence of the Chief Minister, Chief Secretary, and Director General of Police during the visit; lack of water in the washroom facilities; garbage along the route; and accountability of district officials. The Centre has asked for a response by 5 pm.
During her visit, President Murmu reportedly expressed dissatisfaction with the arrangements, including the change of venue and low turnout. She also questioned why the Chief Minister did not meet her, noting that it is customary for the CM and ministers to welcome the President. “The venue made it difficult for people to attend. Perhaps the state government does not want the welfare of tribals,” the President was quoted as saying.
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Responding to criticism, Mamata Banerjee clarified that the event had been organised by the International Santal Council, a private body, and that the district administration had informed the President’s Secretariat about shortcomings in advance. She added that the President was received and seen off by local officials according to the approved protocol and that no lapses occurred on the part of the district administration. Banerjee accused the BJP of “disrespecting and misusing the highest chair in the country for its own party agenda.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the developments as “shameful and unprecedented” and said the TMC government had “crossed all limits.” He called the alleged lapses an insult to the office of the President and expressed concern over the casual treatment of tribal culture.
The controversy comes ahead of state elections, with political leaders trading sharp statements. TMC general secretary Abhishek Banerjee hit back at the Centre, stating that when “the entire establishment lines up against Bengal, Bengal stands stronger.” The confrontation underscores the high-stakes political atmosphere in the state as elections approach.
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