Kolkata, March 8 -- A sharp political confrontation unfolded on Sunday as Prime Minister Narendra Modi and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee reacted over alleged protocol lapses during President Droupadi Murmu's visit to the state on Saturday, turning the issue into a major flashpoint ahead of the upcoming assembly elections.

Addressing a public event in the national capital on International Women's Day, PM Modi accused the Trinamool Congress government of showing "gross disrespect" towards the President during her recent visit to attend a Santhal tribal cultural programme in West Bengal.

"Today, as the nation celebrates International Women's Day, it is deeply concerning that just yesterday, the TMC government in West Bengal de...