Disrespect for highest constitutional post: Amit Shah slams TMC for 'humiliating' President Murmu during Bengal visit

Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah slammed the Mamata Banerjee-led TMC government in West Bengal, a day after President Droupadi Murmu expressed disappointment for changing the venue of an international event she was supposed to attend in Darjeeling district.

Taking to the microblogging platform X, Shah said, "The TMC Government in West Bengal hit a new low in its anarchic behaviour by humiliating the President of India with its glaring disregard for protocol."

"This lays bare the rot in the TMC Government which not only violates the constitutional rights of citizens at will but also does not spare even the President of India from its tyranny. The disrespect for the highest constitutional post of India that too at a program organised by our tribal sisters and brothers is an insult to our nation and the very values that define our constitutional democracy," said the Union Home Minister adding, "every citizen who believes in democracy stands deeply hurt and anguished."

A major political controversy erupted in West Bengal on Saturday after President expressed disappointment with the state government for changing the venue of the International Santal Conference in Darjeeling district and not adhering to the desired protocol to receive her at the event. The Union Home Secretary on Sunday sought a detailed report from the Bengal chief secretary regarding the lapses.

"I don’t know what went through the administration’s mind that they chose a place for the conference where the Santal people could not go... I am very sad that the people here were unable to reach the conference because it was held so far away,” said President Murmu.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the development as “shameful and unprecedented”. In a social media post on X,  Modi said that the TMC in West Bengal has crossed all limits and their administration is responsible for this insult to the President.

In her defence, West Bengal Chief Minister and TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee said she and her ministers were never supposed to be present as per the lineup approved by the President's Secretariat and that the event was arranged by a private organisation.