A request by the Trinamool Congress (TMC) to meet President Droupadi Murmu has been declined for now, with the President’s office citing a tight schedule. The development comes amid an ongoing political controversy linked to her recent visit to West Bengal.
According to sources, the party had written to the President seeking an appointment for a 12-member delegation. The TMC leaders wanted to brief her about the welfare programmes and development initiatives undertaken by the state government for tribal communities.
However, officials from the President’s office reportedly informed the party that a meeting could not be arranged at present due to scheduling constraints. The TMC has since sent another letter requesting a meeting sometime next week.
The request comes after a political row involving West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the President’s recent visit to the state.
President Murmu had travelled to Siliguri to attend a tribal community event linked to the International Santal Conference. The visit sparked controversy following reports of last-minute changes to the venue and concerns over accessibility for members of the Santhal tribal community.
The absence of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and several state ministers at the reception also drew attention and added to the political debate.
The issue soon escalated into a confrontation between the TMC government in West Bengal and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) at the Centre. Prime Minister Modi criticised the state government, calling the situation disrespectful to both the President and the tribal community.
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