NEW DELHI, March 7 — The PM Modi Mamata Banerjee row intensified on Saturday after Prime Minister Narendra Modi criticized the West Bengal government over alleged protocol lapses during President Droupadi Murmu’s recent visit to the state.
Speaking at a public event, Modi said the Mamata Banerjee-led administration had “crossed all limits” and failed to maintain the dignity of the President’s office. The remarks came after controversy erupted over arrangements during Murmu’s visit to North Bengal for a tribal community programme.
The PM Modi Mamata Banerjee row has quickly become a major political issue, drawing reactions from leaders across the country and triggering debate about protocol responsibilities during visits by constitutional authorities.
PM Modi Mamata Banerjee Row Escalates Over Murmu Visit
The PM Modi Mamata Banerjee row began after President Murmu publicly expressed displeasure over aspects of the arrangements made during her visit to West Bengal.
Murmu had travelled to North Bengal to attend the International Santal Conclave, a cultural gathering representing tribal communities. However, the President noted that the event venue had been shifted and that senior state government representatives were not present to receive her.
Prime Minister Modi described the developments as “shameful and unprecedented,” stating that the dignity of the President’s office must remain above politics.
“The West Bengal government has crossed all limits. The office of the President is above politics and must always be respected,” Modi said.
President Murmu Raises Concerns Over Protocol
President Droupadi Murmu also commented on the situation while addressing the gathering.
She remarked that she considers Mamata Banerjee like her “younger sister” but questioned whether the West Bengal Chief Minister had been upset since neither she nor any senior minister from the state government was present to receive the President during the visit.
Murmu said the absence of state leaders was unusual and raised questions about adherence to established protocol.
Her remarks drew national attention and became a central point in the PM Modi Mamata Banerjee row, further intensifying the political debate.
Venue Change for Tribal Event Sparks Questions
Another major factor in the PM Modi Mamata Banerjee row is the change of venue for the tribal community programme.
According to reports, the event had originally been planned to take place in Bidhannagar, a location capable of hosting a larger number of attendees.
However, the venue was later shifted to Gosabaipur near Bagdogra airport due to logistical and security considerations.
President Murmu said the earlier venue would have allowed more people to attend the programme and participate in the gathering.
Officials confirmed that the relocation decision was taken by local authorities responsible for organizing the event.
Modi Says Incident Hurt Tribal Communities
Prime Minister Modi said the developments surrounding the President’s visit had disappointed many people across the country, particularly members of tribal communities.
Murmu is India’s first tribal President, making the issue particularly sensitive in political and social discussions.
Modi said the PM Modi Mamata Banerjee row reflects a broader concern about respecting constitutional institutions.
“Everyone who believes in democracy and the empowerment of tribal communities is saddened by what has happened,” the Prime Minister said.
He also emphasized that the dignity of constitutional offices must remain above political differences.
West Bengal Government Responds
Officials from the West Bengal government said arrangements for the President’s visit were made according to administrative guidelines and security requirements.
They stated that the change in venue was necessary due to logistical considerations and denied allegations of disrespect toward the President.
Leaders from the All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) also defended the state administration, saying the controversy had been exaggerated.
According to party representatives, the programme was successfully conducted and the state government had cooperated with the President’s office throughout the visit.
Political Reactions Across the Country
The PM Modi Mamata Banerjee row has triggered reactions from several political leaders and parties.
Members of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) criticized the West Bengal government and accused it of disrespecting constitutional norms.
Opposition leaders, however, urged caution and said the issue should not be politicized unnecessarily.
Political observers say the incident highlights growing tensions between the central government and some opposition-ruled states.
Debate Over Protocol and Constitutional Offices
Experts say protocol during visits by constitutional authorities such as the President is governed by well-established administrative guidelines.
State governments typically coordinate with the President’s office and central authorities to ensure smooth arrangements.
The PM Modi Mamata Banerjee row has sparked a broader national discussion about how such visits should be handled and the importance of maintaining institutional dignity.
Observers note that it is relatively rare for a President to publicly comment on protocol issues, which is why the developments have drawn significant attention.
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