Kolkata, March 8 -- Advocate and CPI-M MP Bikash Ranjan Bhattacharya on Sunday criticised West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for her absence at the 9th International Santal Conference in Darjeeling during President Droupadi Murmu's visit.

While calling the state government's behaviour "condemnable," he expressed surprise at the President publicly sharing her displeasure.

His remarks came amid a major political row after President Murmu expressed disappointment over arrangements at the 9th International Santal Conference in Darjeeling and noted the absence of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

Speaking to ANI, Bhattacharya said, "Definitely, the behaviour of the West Bengal government and the Chief Minister is condemnab...