Murmu declined party’s request for meeting thrice: TMC

The TMC had first approached the President on March 9, seeking an appointment to discuss welfare initiatives in West Bengal. On March 11, they received a response denying the meeting, attributing the refusal to scheduling constraints.

The party’s second letter on March 11 (proposing a meeting between March 16 and March 20) was also met with a denial, again due to the President’s “packed schedule”.

On March 23, the TMC sent yet another letter for a meeting between March 24 and April 2. The party has not received any positive reply to their latest request.

Notably, during her visit to West Bengal earlier this month for the International Santhal Conference, Murmu had expressed displeasure over the absence of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and senior state ministers at the airport to receive her. The President had also raised questions over the venue for the event.

Following the incident, a war of words erupted between the TMC and the BJP. The BJP had described the episode as “shameful”, accusing the TMC of disrespecting the Constitution.

The TMC, in turn, defended the state government and accused the BJP of attempting to politicise the President’s visit.

The TMC’s renewed request for a meeting signals the party’s intent to formally communicate the state government’s welfare and development achievements to the President amid an ongoing political tussle.