Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday criticised the West Bengal government led by the All India Trinamool Congress after President Droupadi Murmu expressed dissatisfaction with arrangements during her recent visit to the state. Calling the situation “deeply unfortunate,” the Prime Minister said the episode had saddened people across the country.

The controversy began after Murmu raised concerns about the arrangements for an international gathering held in Siliguri during her one-day visit. The President had travelled there to attend the 9th International Santal Conference organised by the International Santal Council.

While speaking at another programme in Bidhannagar, Murmu questioned the choice of venue for the conference, stating that the location appeared too small for an event of such scale. She suggested that a larger venue could have allowed far more participants to attend.

The President also mentioned that there were protocol shortcomings during her visit, noting that neither Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee nor any senior minister from the state government was present to receive her.

Reacting to the remarks, Modi said the incident had hurt the dignity associated with the office of the President. In a post on social media, he said the concerns voiced by Murmu—who comes from a tribal background—had deeply affected people who believe in the empowerment and recognition of tribal communities.

The Prime Minister also criticised the state government’s handling of an event dedicated to Santal culture, saying it was disappointing that such an important subject was not treated with the seriousness it deserved.

Leaders from the Bharatiya Janata Party also joined the criticism. Union minister Piyush Goyal accused the West Bengal administration of disrespecting the country’s highest constitutional office and failing to follow established protocol during the conference.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah also condemned the incident, saying the alleged lapses reflected poorly on the state government and showed disregard for constitutional institutions.

During the conference, President Murmu praised India’s tribal communities for safeguarding their traditions and cultural heritage over generations. She encouraged tribal youth to pursue modern education and opportunities while continuing to preserve their languages, customs and environment.

Murmu, who belongs to the Santal community and is India’s first tribal President, also urged young members of tribal communities to learn multiple languages while remaining connected to their cultural roots.

Her visit to West Bengal was initially planned as a two-day programme beginning March 6 and included a scheduled trip to Darjeeling. However, the itinerary was revised following the resignation of then Governor C V Ananda Bose earlier in the week. Subsequently, R N Ravi was given additional charge as the Governor of the state.