President's bitter experience in Bengal

President Draupadi Murmu had an unexpected bitter experience in West Bengal. The state government denied permission for the 9th International Santal Conference she was supposed to attend on Saturday, so the event had to be shifted to a location near the Bagdogra airport at the last minute. As a result, only a very small number of delegates reached there. Murmu expressed her impatience that only a mayor was present to welcome the President, while the Chief Minister and ministers were supposed to be present as per protocol. She directed the state government to send a report on the matter.

Responding to the incident, Prime Minister Narendra Modi criticized the Trinamool Congress government for crossing all limits. He said that the post of President is above politics and should be respected. On the other hand, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee accused the President of doing politics before the elections. She criticized that the BJP is using the post of President to defame the state government. Mamata said that she would welcome her if she came once a year, but if she visits frequently during the elections, it would not be possible.