Kolkata, 07 March (H.S.): The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Saturday launched a sharp attack on the West Bengal government after Droupadi Murmu expressed displeasure over the arrangements and venue change for the ninth International Santal Conference in North Bengal. The party described the episode as a sign of a “breakdown of constitutional governance” in the state.

President Murmu had attended the conference as the chief guest at Gosaiipur in Darjeeling district. The programme was originally scheduled to be held at Phansidewa in the same district. However, after the state administration reportedly denied permission citing security concerns, the organisers shifted the event at the last moment to Gosaiipur, which was said to be a smaller venue compared to the originally planned location.

During her address, the President expressed dissatisfaction over the last-minute change in the venue. She also pointed out that during her visit to the state neither Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee nor any member of her Cabinet met her, which she noted was contrary to established protocol and tradition during a presidential visit to a state.

In an emotional remark, Murmu said she did not understand why Mamata Banerjee seemed upset with her, adding that she regarded the Chief Minister as a sister.

Following the President’s comments, the BJP criticised the functioning of the state government. The party’s Information Technology cell chief and central observer for West Bengal, Amit Malviya, termed the development an indication of a complete collapse of the constitutional framework in the state.

In a statement posted on the social media platform X, Malviya said the events in West Bengal pointed to a serious weakening of constitutional governance under the Mamata Banerjee government. He described it as a rare and unprecedented situation in which the President of India had to publicly express displeasure over the lack of preparation and adherence to protocol during her visit.

Malviya also said it was particularly shocking that permission was denied for the International Santal Conference at the originally scheduled venue despite the President being the chief guest at the event.

According to him, when a state government disregards the dignity of the office of the President of India, it reflects not only administrative failure but also a breakdown of constitutional propriety and governance.

He added that the episode represented not merely a breach of courtesy but an instance of institutional disrespect, suggesting that governance in West Bengal had descended into disorder.

At the time of filing the report, there had been no official response from the West Bengal government or the ruling Trinamool Congress regarding the BJP’s allegations.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh