TMC MPs have decided to boycott the breakfast meeting hosted by President Droupadi Murmu on March 16. The party stated that the decision was taken in light of the holy month of Ramadan, as many Muslim MPs are fasting. However, the move has ignited a fresh political firestorm in West Bengal.

Political observers believe the boycott is a fallout from the tension during the President’s recent visit to the state. Notably, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and her cabinet ministers skipped welcoming the President during her visit, citing the party’s ongoing protest demonstrations. The CM had publicly criticised the President’s remarks at the time, creating a significant rift.

BJP leaders have slammed the TMC, calling the boycott an “insult” to the President’s constitutional office and accusing the party of disrespecting state institutions. Conversely, TMC leaders maintain their stance, stating, “We respect the President, but our MPs are observing Ramadan; it is a matter of religious sentiment, not politics.”

With the 2026 Assembly elections approaching, the incident has become a major flashpoint. The BJP is using the issue to attack the TMC’s constitutional conduct, while the TMC accuses the BJP of politicizing the office of the President. The situation remains sensitive, as the tribal identity of President Murmu adds a complex layer to this ongoing political tussle.