(Image courtesy: @rashtrapatibhvn / X)
NEW DELHI: In recent days, a protocol lapse during President Droupadi Murmu’s visit to West Bengal has snowballed into a major political controversy, triggering a sharp exchange between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on one side and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and her Trinamool Congress (TMC) on the other.
The row began during a tribal community event attended by the President and has once again brought the strained relationship between the Centre and the West Bengal government into the spotlight, particularly as the state moves closer to the upcoming assembly elections.
Understanding the Santhal Community and the Event
The Santhal (or Santal) people form one of India’s largest tribal communities, primarily residing in states like Jharkhand, West Bengal, Odisha, and Bihar. Known for their rich cultural heritage, including traditional dances, music, and festivals, the Santhals have historically faced socio-economic challenges, making tribal welfare a key political issue.
The event in question was the 9th International Santhal Conference, aimed at celebrating and discussing matters related to the community. Such gatherings are significant for fostering cultural pride and addressing developmental concerns, especially given President Murmu’s own Santhal background, She is the first tribal woman to hold India’s highest office, symbolizing empowerment for marginalized groups.
What Sparked the Controversy: The Visit and Alleged Lapses
On March 7, 2026, President Murmu traveled to north Bengal to attend the conference near Bagdogra. The event was organized by private entities on land owned by the Airports Authority of India, not directly by the state government. However, issues arose with the venue, which was shifted from an initially proposed location (Bidhannagar) to Goshaipur near Bagdogra Airport.
This change led to low attendance, as it made access difficult for participants. Additional complaints included poor arrangements like garbage along the convoy route, lack of water in the President’s washroom, and inadequate facilities such as women’s toilets.
Critically, key state officials including Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, the chief secretary, and the director general of police were absent during her arrival at the airport, which is seen as a breach of the ‘Blue Book’ guidelines. These are confidential protocols governing security and reception for high dignitaries like the President.
President Murmu’s Expressions of Displeasure
During the event, President Murmu voiced her displeasure, questioning why the state administration did not allow the program at the original venue, stating, “Had the programme been held there (at Bidhannagar), it would have been better… I do not know what went through the administration’s mind that they chose a place… where the Santhal people could not go.” On the absence of officials, she remarked, “Generally, when the President is coming, the CM should be welcoming her and other ministers should be present. But she did not come.”
Affectionately referring to Banerjee as her “younger sister” and herself as “a daughter of Bengal,” Murmu added, “Even I am the daughter of Bengal. I am not allowed to visit Bengal. Mamata didi is like my younger sister. Maybe she is miffed with me and that’s why the program was held so far. But never mind.”
PM Modi’s Sharp Criticism and Political Framing
The following day, March 8, 2026, during an International Women’s Day event in New Delhi, Prime Minister Modi escalated the matter, accusing the TMC of boycotting the “sacred and important” event and allowing mismanagement. He stated, “Droupadi Murmu had gone to Bengal to attend a major celebration of the Santhal. But instead of honouring the President, the TMC boycotted this sacred and important event.
The TMC government left that event to mismanagement.” Labeling it an insult to the President, the Constitution, and democratic traditions, Modi warned, “This is not only an insult to the President but also an insult to the Constitution of India. It is an insult to the spirit of the Constitution. It is also an insult to the great tradition of democracy.” He further declared, “Today, from the nation’s capital, I am appealing to all of you that the dirty politics and arrogance of power of the TMC, which insulted the dignity of a tribal President, will soon be shattered.”
Emphasizing broader repercussions, he added, “The enlightened people of West Bengal will never forgive the TMC for insulting a woman, a tribal, the President of the country. The country will never forgive them either. The tribal community of the country will never forgive them. The women of the country will never forgive them.” Modi’s remarks tied the incident to themes of women’s empowerment (nari shakti) and tribal rights, positioning it as a national affront.
Mamata Banerjee’s Defense and Counterattack
Chief Minister Banerjee swiftly rejected the allegations from a sit-in protest in central Kolkata, asserting that the state government was not adequately informed about the program and bore no responsibility for arrangements handled by private organizers. She accused the BJP of politicizing the President’s office, stating, “The BJP has stooped so low that they are using President Droupadi Murmu to malign the state.”
Questioning Murmu’s remarks as “unbecoming and political in nature ‘at the BJP’s behest’,” Banerjee highlighted the President’s silence on tribal atrocities in BJP-ruled states like Manipur and Chhattisgarh. To counter Modi’s claims, she shared a photograph from March 2024, showing President Murmu standing while Modi remained seated during the Bharat Ratna presentation to LK Advani, saying, “This is for you, specially for the Prime Minister. You will not respect a tribal leader and President of India. President is standing and PM is sitting.”
Banerjee emphasized her respect for the presidency, noting, “We have full respect for the chair of the President and the Constitution of India, which we consider our mother; do not blame us.” She explained her absence due to an ongoing dharna over electoral roll revisions, adding, “Now you are saying I have humiliated the PM. How can I go there? I am sitting at a dharna and I am fighting for all.”
TMC leaders like Minister Shashi Panja echoed this, criticizing Modi’s silence on issues like the Ram Temple inauguration (where Murmu was not invited) and Manipur violence.
The Centre’s Official Response and Other Reactions
In response to the lapses, Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan wrote to West Bengal’s Chief Secretary on March 8, demanding a detailed explanation by 5 pm that day. The letter focused on violations of the Blue Book, holding officials like the Darjeeling District Magistrate, Siliguri Police Commissioner, and Additional District Magistrate accountable, and seeking details on actions taken against them.
Vice President CP Radhakrishnan termed the incident “unfortunate,” stressing the need to uphold the President’s dignity. Chief Ministers from Andhra Pradesh (N Chandrababu Naidu), Odisha (Mohan Charan Majhi), and Manipur (Y Khemchand Singh) also condemned the TMC for “blatant disrespect” and protocol ignorance. These reactions underscore the incident’s ripple effects beyond West Bengal, drawing in national and regional leaders.
This row occurs amid heightened political activity ahead of West Bengal’s assembly elections, expected in about two months from March 2026. Tribal votes are crucial in regions like north Bengal and Jangalmahal, where the BJP has been intensifying outreach.
The controversy allows the BJP to portray the TMC as anti-tribal and disrespectful to constitutional norms, while the TMC frames it as BJP-orchestrated smear tactics. It also reflects deeper Centre-state frictions over protocol, federalism, and electoral politics. As both sides trade barbs, the incident could influence public sentiment, particularly among women and tribal communities, in the run-up to the polls.
9th International Santal Conference (2026)
The 9th International Santal Conference, organized by the International Santal Council (ISC), was held on March 7 and 8, 2026, in North Bengal. This annual global summit brings together delegates from India, Nepal, and Bangladesh to promote the cultural, linguistic, and economic empowerment of the Santhal community.
The 9th International Santal Conference was held on March 7 and 8, 2026, in Siliguri/Darjeeling, West Bengal, and featured President Droupadi Murmu as the chief guest.
Core Objectives of the Conference
The conference serves as a strategic gathering for the community with several key goals:
1. Cultural Preservation & Identity: A central focus is the promotion of the Santhali language and the Ol Chiki script (invented by Pandit Raghunath Murmu). The conference celebrates milestones such as the inclusion of Santhali in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution and the recent release of the Constitution of India in the Ol Chiki script.
2. Economic Empowerment: The 9th conference specifically highlighted economic growth for tribal communities. Discussions often revolve around creating sustainable development models that allow the community to progress without losing their ancestral connection to nature.
3. Education and Skill Development: A major priority is encouraging the youth to pursue modern education and vocational skills. President Droupadi Murmu emphasized during the 2026 conference that children should learn multiple languages to expand their opportunities while remaining rooted in their own heritage.
4. Historical Recognition: The event is used to honor Santhal legends like Tilka Majhi, Sido-Kanhu, and Phoolo-Jhano. It aims to ensure that the community’s significant contributions to the Indian freedom struggle (such as the Santal Hul of 1855) are accurately represented in national history.
5. Social Unity & Welfare: By bringing together delegates from different regions, the conference strengthens community networks, promotes fraternity, and allows for shared strategies regarding tribal welfare and rights over natural resources.
“Tribal youth must progress through education and skill development. But in all these efforts, they should not forget their roots. We should resolve to preserve our language and culture, prioritize education, and maintain unity and fraternity in society,” Droupadi Murmu said.
About the Author
