The conflict between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee over President Droupadi Murmu's visit to the state has escalated. The Trinamool Congress chief has targeted the Prime Minister with a two-year-old photograph in which he is seen sitting while the President stands.The Prime Minister repeatedly makes great assertions about honoring the President's office. Let's take a close look at this photo. The country's first indigenous woman President stands, while the Prime Minister relaxes in his chair. "All proclamations of respect for the President ring hollow when visual evidence reveals such casual disregard for her office," said the Trinamool, which shared a brief video of Banerjee's statements at a public gathering.The video shows two Trinamool leaders carrying a photo of President Murmu, Prime Minister Modi, and BJP veteran Lal Krishna Advani from 2024. The photograph was taken on March 31, 2024, when the President and Prime Minister presented Advani with the Bharat Ratna. "Honourable Prime Minister, this is for you." Do you respect the President, a woman, and a tribal leader? Then why is the President standing when you are sitting? I've shown you all that we respect the President, but they don't. "This photograph shows who respects and who does not," she stated.

The Prime Minister, she claimed, assaults Bengal like a "vote bird" before every election and says "whatever he wants". "I reacted to your tweet, stating that we did not organize the event (which the President attended). It was organised by a private entity, which the state government claimed lacked the capacity to organise a programme for the President. They didn't include us. It was the honourable President's decision to accept the invitation. It is up to them, not the hours," she explained.
What Is the Row
President Murmu arrived in Bengal on Saturday to attend the ninth International Santal Conference in Darjeeling. Addressing the gathering, she questioned why Chief politician Banerjee or any other Bengal politician did not greet her.The President compared Banerjee to her "younger sister". "I am also a daughter of Bengal. I don't know if she's upset," she said.
The President also announced a change of site for the occasion. "I'm not sure why the state government didn't allow the gathering there. Today's program is being hosted in a location that is difficult for people to reach. "Perhaps the state government does not care about tribal welfare," she remarked.
Prime Minister's Attack
Prime Minister Narendra Modi called the developments as "shameful and unprecedented".Everyone who believes in democracy and the empowerment of tribal groups is discouraged."The TMC government in West Bengal has truly beyond all limits. Their administration bears responsibility for this insult to the President. It is also sad that the West Bengal government treats an important subject like Santal culture so carelessly. The President's office is beyond politics, and it should always be respected. "One hopes that the West Bengal government and TMC will make better decisions," he added.
Later, he informed a crowd that, although the country is commemorating International Women's Day, the Trinamool administration had humiliated the president. "Trinamool boycotted the tribal event and the President," claimed the leader. "This is an insult to the President as well as the Constitution and its spirit."How Mamata Banerjee Reacted

Banerjee claimed that there was no protocol violation during the President's visit and accused the BJP of manipulating the country's highest office for political purposes. She also stated that the state administration contacted the President's office about inadequate event preparations.The International Santal Council, a private organisation, has invited the President to the 9th International Adivasi Santal Conference in Siliguri. Following Advanced Security Liaison, the district administration informed the President's Secretariat in writing and over the phone that the organiser appeared unprepared.The President's Secretariat advance team came on 05.03.26 and was informed of the absence of arrangements, but the programming proceeded as planned," the Chief Minister stated.

"The Honorable President was met and seen off by Mayor Siliguri Municipal Corporation, DM Darjeeling, and CP Siliguri Police Commissionerate in strict accordance with the authorized lineup supplied by the President's Secretariat. The Chief Minister of West Bengal was not part of the lineup or the dais design. When asked why she did not attend the event, she stated that there was no procedure lapse on the part of district administration. "The BJP is insulting and exploiting the country's highest office to further its own political agenda. "Very unfortunate," she replied.
Home Secretary's Letter
The argument expanded beyond heated exchanges. Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan requested a report from the state's Chief Secretary Nandini Chakravorty on suspected shortcomings at the President's function.According to sources, the Union Home Secretary highlighted four issues: 1) Why were the Chief Minister, Chief Secretary, and Director General of Police not there to greet and send off the President? There was no water in the President's washroom. 3) The path selected by the administration was packed with waste. 4) The District Magistrate in Darjeeling, the Commissioner of Police in Siliguri, and the Additional District Magistrate are in charge. What action was taken against them?