New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday strongly criticised the West Bengal government, accusing the ruling All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) of insulting President Droupadi Murmu during her recent visit to the state.
Speaking at a Women’s Day event, Modi said the alleged disrespect shown to the President was not only an insult to the country’s highest constitutional office but also to the dignity of women. “The country and ‘Nari Shakti’ will not forgive this insult inflicted on President Droupadi Murmu,” the Prime Minister said.
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Row Over Santhali Conclave Arrangements
The controversy erupted after the venue of the 9th International Santhali Conclave was shifted from Bidhannagar to a smaller location in Goshaipur near Bagdogra Airport.
President Murmu attended the event near Siliguri but expressed disappointment over the arrangements. She said the relocation of the venue prevented many people from attending the gathering.
“Perhaps the administration thought no one would be able to reach the conference,” she remarked while addressing participants. Murmu, who belongs to the Santhal tribal community, said she was saddened that many members of the community could not attend the event due to the change in venue.
Absence of Chief Minister Raises Questions
The issue intensified after West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and several state ministers did not attend the event where the President was present.
Referring to Banerjee, Murmu said she considered the chief minister her “younger sister” and wondered whether she was upset with her.
“It is usually expected that when the President visits, the chief minister and ministers remain present,” Murmu said. Her remarks triggered a political storm, with leaders from different parties reacting sharply to the situation.
Mamata Banerjee Rejects Allegations
Responding to the criticism, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee accused the Bharatiya Janata Party of politicising the issue.
She claimed that the President’s remarks were being used by the BJP to target the West Bengal government ahead of the upcoming state assembly elections.
“BJP has stooped so low that they are using the President to malign the state,” Banerjee said while addressing supporters in Kolkata. Banerjee also said that it was not always possible for her to attend every programme, especially during a busy political period before elections.
Political Tensions Rise Ahead of Polls
The dispute has further intensified the political rivalry between the BJP and the TMC in West Bengal. With assembly elections expected later this year, the controversy is likely to deepen the political divide in the state as both sides continue to trade accusations over protocol and political conduct.
