West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Sunday accused the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of misusing the country’s highest constitutional office for political purposes, escalating a political confrontation after remarks made by President Droupadi Murmu regarding arrangements during her recent visit to the state. Banerjee said the BJP was attempting to exploit the situation to target her government and undermine the dignity of constitutional institutions.

The controversy began after Murmu reportedly expressed dissatisfaction with the arrangements at an event she attended in West Bengal and questioned why the chief minister had not met her during the visit. Banerjee responded by alleging that the ruling party at the Centre was attempting to politicise the matter. She argued that the highest constitutional office should not be used to further partisan agendas and insisted that her government respects the presidency and all constitutional institutions.

Reacting strongly to the developments, Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the situation as “shameful and unprecedented". He accused the All India Trinamool Congress government in West Bengal of crossing all limits and failing to uphold the dignity expected during the president's official engagements. BJP leaders have also criticised the state administration, alleging lapses in protocol and a lack of respect toward the visiting head of state.

Also Read: Mark Carney Hails PM Modi as “Unique Guy” With Relentless Work Ethic

The exchange has intensified the ongoing political rivalry between the BJP and the Trinamool Congress, which have frequently clashed over governance and political issues in West Bengal. Observers note that disputes involving constitutional offices often carry wider political implications, particularly when they involve the president's role and interactions with state governments, potentially deepening tensions between the centre and opposition-led states.

Also Read: PM Modi Says Military Conflict Won’t Resolve Iran, Ukraine Wars