Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has urged West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to convey regret to President Droupadi Murmu after what he described as a breach of protocol during the President’s visit to the state, an episode that has triggered political friction and debate over respect for constitutional offices.Writing to Banerjee, Majhi said the manner in which the President was received during her visit had “caused deep pain to many across the country.” The letter follows controversy surrounding Murmu’s trip to north Bengal to attend the ninth International Santal Conference, where she publicly flagged lapses in arrangements and the absence of senior state officials.
Majhi stated that the episode had hurt the sentiments of many communities, particularly Adivasis, backward classes and Dalits, and urged the Bengal government to reflect on the issue. He appealed to Banerjee to express regret to the President as a gesture reaffirming respect for constitutional institutions and democratic values.
“The manner in which the Hon’ble President — herself a respected tribal woman — was treated in West Bengal has caused deep pain to many across the country,” Majhi wrote, adding that the controversy had cast an avoidable shadow over the image of a state known for its culture and civic traditions. He emphasised that democratic life is sustained by mutual respect and dignity among institutions and political leaders.
Murmu’s visit to West Bengal drew attention after she expressed disappointment over the arrangements at the conference venue and the absence of the chief minister or cabinet ministers to receive her. During the programme, she noted that when the head of state visits a region, established conventions normally require senior state representatives to welcome the President and participate in official events.
The President also raised concerns over the change of venue for the conference, which had originally been expected to take place at a different location. The event eventually took place near Siliguri after the proposed site was altered by the administration, a decision that led to confusion among organisers and participants. Murmu remarked that the revised venue was smaller and less accessible for many members of the Santal community who had planned to attend.
Political responses followed swiftly after her remarks. Prime Minister Narendra Modi criticised the Bengal administration, saying respect for constitutional offices must be maintained regardless of political differences. Several leaders from the National Democratic Alliance echoed similar sentiments, describing the episode as an affront to established protocol and to the dignity of the presidency.
Majhi’s intervention adds another layer to the debate. A member of the Santal community himself, the Odisha chief minister highlighted the symbolic significance of the President’s participation in a conference centred on tribal identity and cultural heritage. He wrote that the incident had been particularly distressing because Murmu represents a historic milestone as the country’s first tribal woman to hold the presidency.
The letter also referred to the wider significance of the Santal community across multiple regions. Majhi said the community contributes significantly to national development and cultural diversity, making respectful engagement with its events and institutions all the more important.
Banerjee has rejected the accusation that her government violated protocol. The Bengal chief minister said the event had been organised by private groups and maintained that the responsibility for logistical issues lay with organisers and the Airports Authority of India rather than the state administration. She also said her government holds the presidency and the Constitution in the highest regard.
According to Banerjee, the administration had raised concerns about the preparedness of organisers during preliminary security meetings and had conveyed those concerns to the President’s Secretariat. She argued that political opponents were attempting to portray routine administrative issues as a controversy.
The episode has intensified the ongoing political contest between the Trinamool Congress government in West Bengal and the Bharatiya Janata Party, which governs at the Centre and also leads the administration in Odisha. Critics of the Bengal government have framed the incident as evidence of disregard for constitutional norms, while supporters of Banerjee say the dispute has been amplified for political gain.
Observers note that protocol surrounding presidential visits carries both ceremonial and constitutional significance. Established guidelines typically require coordination between central and state authorities, security agencies and local administrations to ensure that the President’s engagements proceed smoothly and with appropriate dignity.