Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday strongly criticised the Trinamool Congress (TMC) government in West Bengal over the alleged protocol violations during President Droupadi Murmu’s visit to Darjeeling.

Describing the situation as “heart-wrenching”, the Prime Minister accused the state government of failing to make proper arrangements for the President’s participation in the International Santhal Conference.

The controversy comes a day after President Murmu herself expressed disappointment over the arrangements made by the West Bengal government and raised concerns about alleged violations of official protocol during the visit.

The issue has now escalated into a major political confrontation between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the ruling Trinamool Congress in West Bengal.

PM Modi Accuses Trinamool of Insulting President

Reacting to the developments, Prime Minister Modi accused the Trinamool Congress leadership of insulting the President of India, the Constitution, and democratic values.

He said the treatment given to the President during the event was deeply disturbing and unacceptable.

According to the Prime Minister, the state government failed to ensure proper arrangements for the programme, which led to the controversy.

Mr. Modi also stated that such incidents undermine the dignity of the highest constitutional office in the country.

President Murmu Expresses Disappointment

The controversy intensified after President Droupadi Murmu reportedly expressed disappointment over the arrangements made during the event in Darjeeling.

The President had attended the International Santhal Conference, a programme connected with tribal community issues and cultural discussions.

According to reports, the President raised concerns about protocol violations and administrative lapses during the visit.

The comments from the President added significant weight to the issue and brought national attention to the controversy.

Allegations of Protocol Violations

The central issue revolves around allegations that the West Bengal government did not follow proper protocol during the President’s visit.

Protocol for the President’s official visits includes strict guidelines regarding security arrangements, venue preparation, and coordination between state and central authorities.

These guidelines are outlined in a document known as the ‘Blue Book’, which specifies detailed procedures for ensuring the safety and dignity of the President during official events.

Any deviation from these procedures can lead to serious administrative and political concerns.

Home Ministry Seeks Report From West Bengal

Following the controversy, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has sought a detailed report from the West Bengal government regarding the alleged protocol violations.

The report has been requested to examine whether the arrangements made during the President’s visit complied with the security and administrative guidelines specified in the Blue Book.

The Home Ministry’s move indicates that the central government is closely reviewing the circumstances surrounding the event.

Officials are expected to analyse the state government’s response and the explanations provided in the report.

International Santhal Conference

The event at the centre of the controversy was the International Santhal Conference, which focuses on issues related to the Santhal tribal community.

The Santhal community is one of the largest tribal groups in India, with a significant presence in states such as:

• West Bengal

• Jharkhand

• Odisha

• Bihar

President Murmu, who herself belongs to a tribal community, has frequently participated in programmes aimed at highlighting tribal heritage, culture, and social issues.

Because of the importance of the event and the President’s involvement, the alleged lapses have attracted significant attention.

Political Reactions Intensify

The controversy has triggered sharp political reactions from leaders across party lines.

The BJP has criticised the West Bengal government, accusing it of failing to uphold the dignity of the President’s office.

Meanwhile, leaders from the Trinamool Congress have defended the state government, arguing that the issue is being politicised for political advantage.

Political tensions between the two parties have been particularly intense in West Bengal, where they have frequently clashed over governance, administrative decisions, and political conduct.

Importance of the President’s Office

The President of India holds the highest constitutional office in the country and serves as the symbol of the nation’s unity and democratic framework.

Because of this status, official visits by the President are conducted with strict ceremonial and security protocols.

These arrangements are designed to ensure that the President receives appropriate respect, security, and administrative support during official engagements.

Any controversy involving the President’s official visits often attracts significant national attention and political debate.

Role of the Blue Book

The Blue Book is an official document prepared by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs that outlines the security protocols and arrangements required during the President’s visits.

It includes guidelines related to:

• Security deployment

• Coordination between agencies

• Venue arrangements

• Movement and logistics

State governments are required to strictly follow these guidelines when hosting the President during official visits.

The MHA’s request for a report suggests that authorities want to determine whether these guidelines were properly followed during the Darjeeling event.

Broader Political Context

The dispute has emerged at a time when political competition between the BJP and the Trinamool Congress remains intense.

West Bengal has been one of the key battleground states in national politics, and disagreements between the two parties often dominate political discourse.

Issues involving constitutional offices, governance, and administrative conduct frequently become major political topics in such environments.

The Darjeeling incident has therefore quickly become part of a wider political debate between the state government and the central leadership.

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