TMC Urges Presidential Meeting After Protocol Row

The Trinamool Congress is seeking a meeting with President Droupadi Murmu to explain West Bengal's initiatives for tribal welfare following a protocol row. Despite their efforts, TMC representatives like MP Saugata Roy reported receiving no response. The controversy arose after President Murmu's visit, sparking criticism from the opposition.

The Trinamool Congress (TMC) has requested a meeting with President Droupadi Murmu to discuss initiatives taken by the West Bengal government for the welfare of tribal communities. Despite reaching out, including a letter from TMC Rajya Sabha MP Derek O'Brien on March 9, the party awaits a response, according to TMC MP Saugata Roy on Friday outside Parliament.

Sources revealed that O'Brien's letter to the President detailed the state's efforts for Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribe, and Other Backward Communities, focusing on infrastructure, social security, and education. The party hopes to present these achievements to the President through a delegation of 12 to 15 members.

The situation follows a protocol controversy during President Murmu's visit to West Bengal. At a Santhal conference on March 7, the President criticized the event's arrangements and the lack of state ministers' attendance, including Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, sparking data significant political backlash. The TMC refuted claims of protocol breaches, dismissing them as political maneuvers by opponents, notably criticized by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Minister JP Nadda.

(With inputs from agencies.)