Kolkata: Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee An undated photo of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the President seated was unearthed on Sunday Draupadi Murmu He stood at an event, labeling it as “evidence of who really showed respect” while questioning the allegation that the TMC government had “grossly insulted” the President by violating the protocol in Siliguri.“Why are you sitting when she is standing?” Mamata said at her SIR protest podium. “We respect everyone who holds constitutional office.”
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The chief minister said: “The prime minister attacks and disrespects Bengal before every election.” Mamata claimed that Bengal was provoked before the assembly elections.She maintained that the state had written to the organizers of the International Santal Conference on March 4, stating that it was unable to participate in the event due to various reasons. “But the Center ignored it. If anything goes wrong during the event, the Center should take responsibility. Don’t blame us,” she said.The chief minister maintained that the Siliguri conference was a private project and the state government was never asked to support it. On allegations of inadequate toilets and other facilities, she said the site fell under the jurisdiction of the Airports Authority of India. “The green room was also set up by the organizers on AAI territory. If something went wrong there, it was their failure.”On the Prime Minister’s reference to International Women’s Day while criticizing Bangladesh’s treatment of its female president, Mamata said, “We will celebrate Women’s Day a thousand times. We have been celebrating it since our childhood. You have no right to criticize us.”Sources said Chief Secretary Nandini Chakravorty received a letter from Union Home Minister Govind Mohan seeking explanation for the “violation of protocol” and formally responded that evening.The controversy seems to have united the TMC opposition. Congress’ Supriya Shrinate said the office of the president must not be used to “advance the political agenda of the BJP”.
