‘Maybe Mamata Didi Is Angry’: President Murmu’s Remark Triggers Political Storm in West Bengal
Siliguri/Kolkata: President Droupadi Murmu on Sunday publicly expressed displeasure over alleged protocol lapses during her visit to north Bengal to attend the 9th International Santhal Adivasi Conference, triggering a political row between the Centre and the West Bengal Government.
Speaking at the gathering in Phansidewa, near Bagdogra Airport, the President questioned the absence of senior state officials, including Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, saying established protocol normally requires the chief minister to receive the President during official visits.
Centre Seeks Explanation
The controversy quickly escalated after the Union Government of India sought an explanation from the state administration over the alleged breach of the official ‘Blue Book’ protocol guidelines governing presidential visits.
In a letter to the state’s Chief Secretary, Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan asked the West Bengal government to clarify reports that key officials—including the Chief Minister, Chief Secretary and Director General of Police—were absent when the President arrived.
Officials have also reportedly sought clarification over complaints that the restroom prepared for the President lacked water and that parts of the route taken during the visit were littered with garbage.
President Questions Venue Arrangements
During her address to members of the Santhal community, Murmu also raised concerns over the arrangements at the venue, noting that many members of the tribal community were unable to enter the conference site.
“I noticed many of our Santhal brothers and sisters standing outside. I feel someone is stopping them from entering,” she said, suggesting that the venue appeared too small for an international gathering of such scale.
The President wondered whether the organisers had anticipated a smaller turnout while selecting the venue.
The events in West Bengal today point to a complete collapse of the constitutional framework under the Mamata Banerjee government.
In a rare and unprecedented development, the Hon’ble President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu, openly expressed displeasure over the lack of… pic.twitter.com/ZMiRwZkVbJ
— Amit Malviya (@amitmalviya) March 7, 2026
Venue Shift Sparks Debate
The Santhal conclave was originally planned at Bidhannagar, an area known for its sizeable Santhal population. However, local authorities later shifted the event to Goshaipur, citing congestion concerns.
Murmu later visited Bidhannagar and observed that the location appeared spacious enough to host a much larger gathering. She questioned why the administration opted for a comparatively smaller venue.
“Maybe Mamata Didi Is Angry With Me”
In a candid remark that drew attention, the President referred to the chief minister in a personal tone.
“Mamata didi is like my younger sister. Maybe she is angry with me,” Murmu said, adding that it is customary for chief ministers and ministers to attend presidential programmes held in their states.
PM Modi Calls Incident ‘Shameful’
The row intensified after Prime Minister Narendra Modi criticised the West Bengal government over the alleged breach of protocol.
In a social media post, Modi described the situation as “shameful and unprecedented,” accusing the state administration of disrespecting the office of the President.
He said Murmu’s expression of pain and disappointment had saddened citizens across the country and stressed that the dignity of the President’s office must remain above political considerations.
The Prime Minister also remarked that it was unfortunate that a cultural event celebrating Santhal heritage had turned into a controversy due to administrative lapses.
This is shameful and unprecedented. Everyone who believes in democracy and the empowerment of tribal communities is disheartened.
The pain and anguish expressed by Rashtrapati Ji, who herself hails from a tribal community, has caused immense sadness in the minds of the people… https://t.co/XGzwMCMFrT
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 7, 2026
Mamata Banerjee Rejects Allegations
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee strongly rejected the accusations, claiming that the information conveyed to the President about the absence of state representatives was incorrect.
Speaking in Kolkata, Banerjee accused the Bharatiya Janata Party of politicising the issue ahead of the upcoming state assembly elections.
She said her schedule did not permit her to attend the programme and maintained that it is not always possible for the chief minister to be present at every official event.
“If you come once a year, I can welcome you. But if you come during elections, I am busy with people’s rights and responsibilities,” Banerjee said.
Political Reactions Grow
The controversy has drawn reactions from several political leaders. N. Chandrababu Naidu, Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, expressed concern over the alleged breach, saying the office of the President represents the dignity of the Republic and must always be treated with the highest respect.
Cultural Event Overshadowed
The Santhal community—one of the largest tribal groups in eastern India with significant populations in West Bengal, Jharkhand, and Odisha—organises such international gatherings to promote tribal identity, language and cultural unity.
However, the controversy surrounding the President’s visit has overshadowed the cultural significance of the event and turned it into a fresh political flashpoint between New Delhi and Kolkata.
With both the Centre and the West Bengal government presenting sharply different narratives, the row over protocol during Murmu’s visit is likely to remain a key political talking point in the run-up to the state’s upcoming elections.
