Overview
- President Droupadi Murmu criticized a last‑minute shift of the 9th International Santal Conference from a large field in Bidhannagar to a smaller site near Bagdogra, saying many Santals were unable to attend.
- She noted protocol lapses, stating that neither Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee nor any state minister received her at Bagdogra airport, with Siliguri Mayor Gautam Deb the only public representative present.
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi called the developments “shameful and unprecedented,” holding the TMC administration responsible and asserting that the dignity of the President’s office must be respected.
- Mamata Banerjee rejected the charge, saying it was not a state event, asserting that the President’s advance team was warned of inadequate arrangements, and insisting officials received Murmu as per the approved lineup while accusing the BJP of politicising the visit.
- The clash unfolded as Banerjee led a sit‑in over the Election Commission’s voter‑roll exercise ahead of expected state polls, with Murmu’s trip rescheduled a day earlier after the West Bengal Governor resigned and R N Ravi was appointed.