Mamata Banerjee denies protocol breach at President Murmu’s Bengal event amid Centre-state row

After a row broke out between the Centre and the West Bengal government regarding an event attended by President Droupadi Murmu in the state, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Sunday reiterated that there was no breach of protocol, the Hindustan Times reported.

“The responsibility of mismanagement at the president’s programme in Bengal lies with private organisers and the Airports Authority of India,” the newspaper quoted Banerjee as saying. “We have full respect for the chair of the president and the Constitution of India, which we consider our mother. Do not blame us.”

Banerjee’s remarks came a day after Murmu criticised the Trinamool Congress government for allocating a smaller venue for an event she addressed in Darjeeling district on Saturday. The president also expressed displeasure that Banerjee and state ministers did not follow the conventions associated with a presidential visit.

Murmu was in West Bengal to participate in the ninth International Santal Conference, the venue of which was changed. The organisers of the event had preferred a field in Bidhannagar in the district, but the administration allegedly denied permission and the event was held at Gosainpur near Bagdogra in Siliguri.

After the event, Murmu travelled to Bidhannagar and spoke with residents without using a dais. She said the venue there would have been better suited for...

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