Mamata Banerjee Deflects Blame for Presidential Event Disarray

Mamata Banerjee claimed no protocol was breached at President Murmu's Siliguri event, blaming private organizers and AAI for any mismanagement. Amid criticism from PM Modi, Banerjee displayed a photo of Modi seated with President standing as evidence of BJP's disrespect. She emphasized respect for the President and Constitution.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee dismissed accusations of protocol breaches at President Draupadi Murmu's event in Siliguri, stating any disarray stemmed from the private organizers and the Airports Authority of India (AAI). Speaking from a Kolkata platform, Banerjee countered Prime Minister Narendra Modi's critiques with visual evidence, showing an image of Modi seated while President Murmu stood, arguing this reflected BJP's disregard.

Banerjee asserted that her government holds deep respect for both the office of the President and the Indian Constitution. She denied familiarity with the President's program details, suggesting the event's private organizers failed to communicate effectively. According to Banerjee, responsibility for alleged issues, such as venue cleanliness and facilities, lay with these organizers and the AAI.

The Chief Minister argued that neither her administration nor her party disrespected the President, deflecting blame to event managers who chose the venue. Emphasizing her respect for constitutional offices, Banerjee challenged allegations of disrespect leveled by opposition leaders, including the Prime Minister.

(With inputs from agencies.)