West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has dismissed claims of a protocol violation during President Draupadi Murmu’s recent visit to Siliguri. She raised concerns about the motivations behind these allegations, suggesting they were politically charged as the state approaches assembly elections.

Speaking at a protest in central Kolkata, Banerjee questioned the rationale behind the accusations, stating, “You are targeting Bengal on the eve of assembly elections by saying whatever pleases you. Why? Why? Why?”

Response to Prime Minister’s Accusations

Her comments followed statements made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who accused the Trinamool Congress (TMC) government of disrespecting both a female tribal leader and the President.

In her rebuttal, Banerjee presented a photograph showing Modi seated next to veteran BJP politician LK Advani while the President stood at a past event, arguing that it demonstrated a lack of respect by the BJP. “It is the BJP which carries the culture of insulting the President, not us,” she asserted, emphasizing her contempt for any such disrespect.

Claims of Mismanagement at the Event

The chief minister also refuted any suggestions that her administration was at fault for potential lapses during the President’s visit to north Bengal. She attributed any issues to the private organizers and the Airports Authority of India (AAI), which facilitated the venue for the event.

Banerjee pointed out that President Murmu had conveyed her dissatisfaction after noticing that neither she nor her cabinet members were present to greet her at Bagdogra Airport, where she arrived for an international tribal conference.

Details Surrounding the Venue Change

Banerjee highlighted that her government had not been duly informed about the specifics of the President’s itinerary and had not been consulted prior to the venue change. During her remarks, she noted that the event’s disorganization, which included issues such as poor sanitation facilities and the absence of women’s toilets, should be addressed by the event management team and the AAI. “We did not pick the venue, you did,” she remarked, positioning the responsibility outside her administration.

Official Presence and Ongoing Protest

In addressing the attendance at the airport, Banerjee stated that Siliguri’s mayor, Goutam Deb, had adhered to the appropriate protocol and was present to welcome the President upon her arrival.

She defended her participation in the protest, stating, “I am sitting in a dharna to protect people’s rights. How can I leave?” This demonstrates her commitment to her constituents while simultaneously contesting the allegations surrounding the Presidential program.

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