President flags Bengal protocol breach

President Droupadi Murmu on Saturday publicly expressed displeasure over what appeared to be a breach of protocol during her visit to north Bengal, noting that neither Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee nor any minister from the West Bengal government were present to receive her at the airport.

- FPJ News Service

Addressing a gathering of tribals at Bidhannagar near Siliguri, the President also criticised the sudden shifting of the venue of the tribal community’s annual programme, saying the change had reduced public participation.

Murmu remarked that Banerjee was “like her younger sister” but wondered whether the chief minister was upset with her, given the absence of any senior representative of the state government at the reception.

“Mamata Banerjee is like my younger sister. I am also a daughter of Bengal. I do not know whether she is upset. Anyway, that does not matter. All of you stay well,” the President told the gathering.

According to established protocol, the chief minister or a minister of the state government is usually present to receive the President during an official visit to a state. However, when Murmu arrived at Bagdogra Airport on Saturday afternoon, Siliguri Mayor Gautam Deb was the only public representative present to welcome her.