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BJD MLA Stresses President's Dignity Amid Protocol Row with Bengal

BJD MLA Dibya Shankar Mishra has emphasized that ensuring protocol for the President's travels is a critical responsibility. His remarks follow President Droupadi Murmu's expressed disappointment with the arrangements made by the West Bengal government for a recent event. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee dismissed the complaints, stating her party did not manage the event and that she was engaged in a dharna. Banerjee clarified that a mayor from her party was present to receive the President.

Key Points: President's Protocol Row: BJD MLA, Mamata Banerjee React

  • BJD MLA stresses presidential protocol
  • Row over Bengal event arrangements
  • President Murmu expressed disappointment
  • CM Mamata Banerjee defends her absence
  • Clarifies party mayor was present
2 min read

"Dignity of president office is paramount": BJD MLA Dibya Shankar Mishra on President's conference row

BJD MLA Dibya Shankar Mishra emphasizes presidential protocol after President Murmu's complaint about Bengal arrangements, countered by CM Mamata Banerjee.

"The dignity and protocol associated with the office of the President of India... are of paramount importance. - Dibya Shankar Mishra"

Bhubaneswar, March 8

Biju Janata Dal MLA Dibya Shankar Mishra on Sunday said it is the responsibility of the President's Secretariat, state governments, and foreign governments to ensure that all protocols are observed when the President travels, within India or abroad.

Speaking to ANI, Mishra said, "The dignity and protocol associated with the office of the President of India, who is the first citizen of the country, are of paramount importance. It is the responsibility of the President's Secretariat, state governments, and foreign governments to ensure that all protocols are observed when the President travels, within India or abroad. These protocols are not merely legal requirements but are rooted in tradition and respect for the constitutional position of the President..."

The remarks come after President Murmu publicly expressed disappointment with the West Bengal government over the arrangements made for the event on Saturday. President Murmu also expressed concern over the absence of representatives of the state government during her visit.

Earlier today, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee dismissed President Droupadi Murmu's complaints with the state government over mismanagement at the tribal conference during her visit yesterday, stating that the Trinamool Congress did not manage the event and that she was at a Dharna "fighting for the people."

Addressing a gathering during her ongoing protest here, CM Mamata Banerjee said that she could not deny the President from visiting the state over people's absence. She also clarified that a mayor from her party was present at the President's event.

"You said that we didn't honour her [President Murmu]? Our Mayor was present there. I was at the dharna; how could I have left it? Before the dharna started, I was not aware of the program. I am fighting the battle of the people here. I am fighting for their voting rights," she said.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Mamata Didi's response seems very defensive and political. A simple apology or acknowledgment of the lapse would have been more dignified. The President's visit, especially for a tribal conference, should have been above politics. 🤦‍♀️
R
Rohit P
This is a classic case of political one-upmanship overshadowing national protocol. Both sides are playing to their galleries. The real issue is the tribal community for whom the conference was meant. Hope they don't feel neglected.
S
Sarah B
As an observer, I find it concerning when constitutional protocols are breached. The President represents the entire nation. State governments have a duty to ensure smooth visits, irrespective of which party is at the Centre. This sets a bad precedent.
M
Meera T
Respectfully, while protocol is important, I think the MLA's statement is a bit one-sided. The CM has a point about being committed to a public dharna. Could the President's secretariat have coordinated better dates? Communication seems to have failed on all sides.
V
Vikram M
Tradition and respect matter! We are not some banana republic. If a Mayor was present, that's good, but the absence of senior state ministers speaks volumes. This is basic *maryada*. Hope such incidents don't repeat with any President, present or future.

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