A political controversy has erupted in West Bengal following allegations of a protocol breach during President Droupadi Murmu’s visit to Darjeeling, with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) demanding the resignation of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

The issue has quickly escalated into a major political confrontation between the BJP and the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC), with both sides trading accusations over the incident that took place on Saturday, March 7, 2026.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the developments as “shameful and unprecedented”, while BJP leaders accused the state government of disrespecting the President of India.

At the same time, Mamata Banerjee strongly rejected the allegations, countering with her own criticism of the Prime Minister’s conduct during the event.

Controversy During President Murmu’s Darjeeling Visit

The controversy stems from events during President Droupadi Murmu’s official visit to Darjeeling, where she attended a programme linked to the tribal community.

Reports suggest that there were changes in the venue of the event and issues related to protocol arrangements, which later triggered a political dispute between the state government and the BJP.

Political leaders from the BJP claimed that the arrangements during the visit reflected a serious breach of official protocol.

They argued that such lapses during the visit of the President of India, the country’s highest constitutional authority, were unacceptable and demanded accountability from the state government.

BJP Demands Chief Minister’s Resignation

Following the controversy, BJP leaders in West Bengal demanded that Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee resign from her position.

According to BJP leaders, the alleged protocol violation during the President’s visit was a serious administrative failure that reflected poorly on the state government.

The party also accused the Trinamool Congress government of showing disrespect toward the President’s office.

The issue quickly became a major political talking point in the state, with BJP leaders calling for immediate action and accountability.

PM Modi Calls Incident Shameful

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also reacted strongly to the developments.

In his comments on Saturday, he described the situation as “shameful and unprecedented.”

On Sunday, March 8, the Prime Minister further stated that the Trinamool Congress had effectively boycotted both an important event of the tribal community and the President of India.

His remarks intensified the political debate, bringing the issue into the national spotlight.

The Prime Minister’s comments were interpreted by BJP leaders as a strong criticism of the West Bengal government’s handling of the event.

Mamata Banerjee’s Counter-Accusation

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, however, strongly rejected the accusations made by the BJP and the Prime Minister.

While addressing supporters during a dharna in Kolkata, she alleged that Prime Minister Modi himself had insulted the President during the event.

According to Banerjee, the alleged incident occurred when the Prime Minister remained seated along with veteran BJP leader L.K. Advani while President Murmu was standing nearby.

Banerjee argued that such behaviour was itself a breach of respect and protocol toward the President.

Her remarks added a new dimension to the controversy and intensified the political clash between the TMC and BJP.

Mamata Banerjee’s Dharna in Kolkata

The Chief Minister made her remarks while holding a dharna in Kolkata.

The protest was organised by the Trinamool Congress against the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.

During the protest, Banerjee addressed party supporters and criticised the BJP leadership over the allegations related to the President’s visit.

Her statements indicated that the TMC intends to strongly challenge the BJP’s narrative regarding the incident.

Political Tensions in West Bengal

The controversy has further deepened political tensions in West Bengal, where the rivalry between the BJP and the Trinamool Congress has remained intense for several years.

Both parties frequently accuse each other over issues related to governance, administrative decisions, and political conduct.

Events involving national constitutional authorities, such as the President, often attract significant political attention and scrutiny.

As a result, the Darjeeling incident has quickly evolved into a major political controversy within the state.

Importance of Protocol in Official Events

Official visits by the President of India involve strict adherence to protocol and ceremonial procedures.

These protocols are designed to ensure that the highest constitutional office in the country is treated with appropriate respect and dignity.

Such arrangements typically involve coordination between:

• The Central Government

• The State Government

• Security agencies

• Local administration

Any perceived deviation from these procedures can lead to political criticism and public debate.

Tribal Community Event

The programme attended by President Murmu in Darjeeling was reportedly linked to an event involving the tribal community.

President Murmu, who herself comes from a tribal background, has frequently participated in programmes aimed at highlighting issues related to tribal communities and cultural heritage.

Because of this context, BJP leaders argued that the controversy surrounding the event was particularly unfortunate and politically significant.

Escalating Political Debate

The dispute has triggered a sharp exchange of statements between political leaders from both the BJP and the TMC.

BJP representatives have continued to accuse the state government of administrative lapses and disrespect toward the President.

Meanwhile, TMC leaders have defended the state government’s actions and accused the BJP of politicising the issue for political gain.

The debate is likely to continue as both parties attempt to shape public perception of the incident.

Possible Political Impact

While the immediate controversy centres around protocol and administrative arrangements, the political implications could extend further.

Political analysts believe the issue may become part of the broader political narrative in West Bengal, where elections and political competition often intensify debates over governance and leadership.

Incidents involving national institutions and constitutional authorities frequently become symbolic issues in political discourse.

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