Kolkata, March 7 (NationPress) In response to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's remarks regarding the Trinamool Congress government's handling of President Droupadi Murmu's event venue change, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee asserted on Saturday that her administration did not commit any protocol violations during the President’s stay in the state.

Through her social media accounts, CM Banerjee accused the BJP of exploiting the highest constitutional authority in the nation for partisan purposes.

"The International Santal Council, a private entity, extended an invitation to the Hon'ble President for the 9th International Adivasi Santal Conference in Siliguri. Post the Advanced Security Liaison meeting, the district administration communicated in writing to the President’s Secretariat that the organizer seemed inadequately prepared. This concern was also expressed through a phone call," CM Banerjee elaborated.

She backed her statements by sharing relevant letters and photographs.

"The advance team from the President’s Secretariat visited on 05.03.26 and was informed about the insufficient preparations, yet the event proceeded as planned. The Hon’ble President was welcomed and bid farewell by the Mayor of Siliguri Municipal Corporation, the Darjeeling District Magistrate, and the Siliguri Police Commissioner, all strictly adhering to the approved agenda from the President’s Secretariat. The Chief Minister of West Bengal was not included in the lineup or the dais arrangement," she explained.

The Chief Minister further emphasized: "No protocol lapse occurred on behalf of the district administration. The BJP is disrespecting and misappropriating the highest office in the country for its own political gains. This is profoundly unfortunate.”

CM Banerjee's comments followed PM Modi's criticism of the Trinamool Congress government, which he labeled as a sign of disrespect towards the President.

"This situation is disgraceful and without precedent. Everyone who values democracy and the upliftment of tribal communities is dismayed. The distress expressed by Rashtrapati Ji, who herself belongs to a tribal background, has instilled deep sorrow among the people of India. The TMC government of West Bengal has truly crossed all boundaries. Their administration bears the responsibility for this insult to the President,” PM Modi stated in a post on X.

In response to the Prime Minister’s remarks, Trinamool Congress All India General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee declared it to be the people of Bengal standing against the BJP and central government institutions.

"THE PEOPLE of WEST BENGAL VS BJP + ECI + ED + IT + CBI + NIA + CAPF + Governor + 20 Union Ministers + 10 CMs + Prime Minister + Respected Rashtrapati Ji + Godi Media. When the entire establishment unites against Bengal, Bengal emerges stronger. Bring it on!" he asserted.

Earlier in the day, President Droupadi Murmu expressed dissatisfaction regarding the last-minute venue change and the state government’s allocation of a smaller location for the 9th International Santal Conference at Gossaipur in Darjeeling district, where she was the chief guest.

The President noted that neither Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee nor any of her Cabinet members met her during her visit, which she indicated was contrary to established customs and protocols during presidential visits.

The event was originally slated to occur at Phansidewa in the same district; however, the organizers were compelled to relocate to a smaller venue at Gossaipur after the state administration allegedly denied permission for the program at Phansidewa due to security concerns.