President’s office cites ‘paucity of time’, turns down Trinamool meeting request amid protocol row

The BJP recently flagged an alleged 'protocol breach' at a recent tribal meet in north Bengal attended by President Murmu

• President Murmu denied Trinamool's meeting request due to time constraints.
• BJP accused Trinamool of protocol breach at tribal event
• Mamata Banerjee said President's remarks were political

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The office of President Droupadi Murmu has declined the Trinamool Congress’ request for an appointment, citing a “paucity of time”, according to NDTV.

Sources said a senior Trinamool leader had written to the President on Monday seeking a meeting for a 12-member delegation to brief her on state-sponsored welfare measures for tribal communities.

The party has since written again seeking an appointment next week.

The BJP recently flagged an alleged “protocol breach” at a recent tribal meet in north Bengal attended by Murmu, where the President reportedly remarked that neither Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee nor any of her ministers were present to receive her. The President also suggested that the West Bengal is denying tribals access to welfare measures and facilities being offered by the Centre.

“I am also a daughter of Bengal... Mamata Didi is also my sister, my younger sister. I don't know if she was angry with me, that's why this happened..." said Murmu.

Posting a video of some of Murmu's remarks, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also accused the Trinamool of treating Santal culture casually and "insulting" the President.

What did Mamata say?

Responding to the President’s remarks, the Bengal CM, who was holding a protest in Kolkata against the Special Intensive Revision of voter rolls, said the statements were political in nature.

"I humbly request the President not to make statements which don't suit your post. You spoke about one community today; you didn't speak about the rest of the communities here in Bengal. You know how to play politics," she said.

On the alleged lapses of protocol, the Bengal government has said the event Murmu attended had been privately organised and conducted, and that the Chief Minister was not part of it.

The Trinamool Congress also listed a range of steps taken by the Bengal government to ensure the welfare of tribals.