Kolkata, March 7 West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Saturday criticized President Droupadi Murmu for questioning the pace of development among tribal communities in the state, accusing her of engaging in political maneuvering ahead of the assembly elections "at the behest of the BJP".
Reacting sharply to Murmu's comments during her visit to North Bengal, Banerjee alleged that the BJP was using the President's office to discredit the state government.
"The BJP has stooped so low that they are using President Droupadi Murmu to discredit the state," the CM said at a protest site in Kolkata.
She also stated that the information conveyed to the President about the absence of state representatives at her event was inaccurate.
Banerjee said that it was not always possible for her to attend such events in the run-up to elections.
"I can welcome you if you come once a year, but if you come during elections, it will not be possible for me to attend your events as I am busy with people's rights," she asserted.
Earlier in the day, addressing a gathering of tribal people in Bidhannagar near Siliguri, President Murmu said that Banerjee was like her "younger sister", but wondered whether the chief minister was "upset" as neither she nor any state minister was present to receive her during the visit.
Murmu also questioned the relocation of the tribal community's annual event from Bidhannagar to Goshaipur near Bagdogra airport, suggesting that the change of venue might have reduced the turnout.