Politics in India has a way of turning even a single photograph into a national debate. Recently, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee sparked a massive row by sharing a photo where Prime Minister Narendra Modi is seen sitting while President Droupadi Murmu stands.
At first glance, the image looks like a major protocol breach. In a country that deeply values hierarchy and respect especially toward the first woman tribal President the visual of the PM sitting while the President stands is bound to raise eyebrows. Mamata Banerjee used this very image to hit back at the BJP, questioning their claims of respecting the President’s office.
But what’s the real story?
The photo isn’t from a recent event. It dates back to March 2024, during a very special and intimate ceremony. President Murmu had visited the residence of veteran BJP leader L.K. Advani to confer upon him the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian honor.
If you look at the official protocol for such ceremonies, things work a bit differently. When the President is actually conferring the award, others present—including the Prime Minister—remain seated to maintain the decorum and focus of the moment. The BJP was quick to point this out, labeling the TMC’s attack as a “fake news factory” at work. They argued that there was absolutely no breach of decorum and that the Prime Minister was simply following the established rules of the ceremony.
Why is this blowing up now?
This digital tug-of-war didn’t happen in a vacuum. It started after President Murmu expressed some disappointment during her recent visit to North Bengal. She mentioned feeling a bit let down by the arrangements and the absence of senior state officials to receive her.
Naturally, this gave the BJP ammunition to criticize the TMC for “insulting” a tribal woman leader. Mamata Banerjee, known for her feisty rebuttals, decided to flip the script by digging up this 2024 photo to show that “disrespect” is a two-way street.
The Human Side of Politics
Beyond the “he-said, she-said,” what we are seeing is a classic pre-election atmosphere. With West Bengal heading toward polls, every gesture, every seat, and every photo is being scrutinized under a microscope.
While the BJP stands by the “protocol rulebook,” the TMC is using the “visual impact” to connect with voters. In the end, it’s a reminder of how powerful a single frame can be in the age of social media, and how easily “truth” can depend on which side of the lens you’re looking through.
Read More: The Photo That Shook Bengal Did PM Modi Really Disrespect President Murmu
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