'Dirty politics, arrogance will shatter Trinamool': Modi slams President's 'insult'
What's the story
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has accused the Trinamool Congress (TMC) of "dirty politics" and arrogance after West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee allegedly boycotted a Santhal community event attended by President Droupadi Murmu. The PM slammed the TMC for its alleged mismanagement of the event, calling it an insult to the President and the spirit of democracy. He warned that such arrogance would soon be "shattered."
Event details
President Murmu expresses dissatisfaction over event's mismanagement
President Murmu visited Darjeeling for the 9th International Santal Conference on March 7. She expressed dissatisfaction over the event's mismanagement, including a change of venue to Goshaipur, Darjeeling, from Bidhannagar, and inadequate arrangements. PM Modi took to X (formerly Twitter) to express his disappointment, writing that "people who believe in the empowerment of democracy and the tribal community are all deeply hurt."
Twitter Post
Modi's post accusing TMC of disrespecting President Murmu
এটি লজ্জাজনক এবং অভুতপূর্ব। গণতন্ত্র এবং জনজাতি সম্প্রদায়ের ক্ষমতায়নে বিশ্বাসী মানুষজন সকলেই মর্মাহত।
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 7, 2026
জনজাতি সম্প্রদায় থেকেই উঠে আসা রাষ্ট্রপতি মহোদয়ার প্রকাশিত বেদনা ও উদ্বেগ ভারতের মানুষের মনে গভীর দুঃখের সঞ্চার করেছে।
পশ্চিমবঙ্গের তৃণমূল কংগ্রেস সরকার সত্যিই সমস্ত সীমা… https://t.co/XGzwMCMFrT
Official communication
Centre seeks explanation from Bengal government
The Centre has sought a response from the West Bengal government by Sunday evening over suspected protocol violations during President Murmu's visit. Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan wrote to the state's chief secretary, seeking clarification on alleged breaches of the 'Blue Book' guidelines. These guidelines outline security and protocol procedures for high-ranking officials like the President and Prime Minister.
Clarification sought
WB administration asked to explain key lapses
The West Bengal administration has been asked to explain why key officials were absent at the airport to receive President Murmu. Reports also suggest that the washroom provided for her use lacked water and that garbage was strewn along her convoy route. The letter further asks about actions taken against local officials believed to be responsible for these alleged lapses.
Event arrangements
What did Banerjee say
In response earlier, Banerjee said she and her ministers were not meant to be present as per the lineup approved by the President's Secretariat. She added that the event was organized by a private organization, and documents do not mention Bidhannagar as the original location. The CM also claimed that the Siliguri district administration had informed the President's Secretariat about inadequate arrangements at Goshaipur ahead of Murmu's visit.