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President Droupadi Murmu questioned the West Bengal government over protocol lapses during her north Bengal visit and raised concerns about tribal development. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee responded, calling the remarks political.
President Murmu Questions Bengal Govt Over Protocol
New Delhi: President Droupadi Murmu on Saturday publicly questioned the West Bengal government over the absence of senior state leaders during her visit to north Bengal. Speaking at the International Santhal Conference, she asked whether Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee was upset with her, as neither the chief minister nor any state minister came to receive her.
Addressing members of the tribal community, Murmu said she was unsure why the state administration did not permit the event to be held at the originally planned venue in Bidhannagar and instead shifted it to Goshaipur, where the attendance was reportedly low.
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“I do not know whether Mamata Banerjee is upset with me. I am also a daughter of Bengal and she is like my younger sister,” the President said, adding that the change of venue had raised questions.
During her speech, Murmu also questioned whether development initiatives were reaching Santhal and other tribal communities in the region.
She said the Centre had worked in the past decade to strengthen tribal identity and development, but raised doubts about whether these benefits were reaching people on the ground in north Bengal.
“Is development taking place for Santhals and tribals here? I don’t think so,” Murmu said, adding that some people might be preventing communities from uniting and progressing.
The remarks triggered strong political reactions. The Bharatiya Janata Party accused the Trinamool Congress government of disregarding the dignity of the President’s office.
BJP leader Amit Malviya described the situation as “rare and unprecedented”, alleging that the lack of proper protocol reflected a breakdown of governance in the state.
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Responding to the President’s statements, Banerjee said the comments appeared political in nature. She urged the President to avoid remarks that could affect the dignity of the constitutional office.
Banerjee also highlighted welfare measures undertaken by the state government for Scheduled Tribe communities, including financial assistance under the Lakshmir Bhandar scheme and scholarships for tribal students.
The Trinamool Congress said the President appeared to be “misinformed” and listed several initiatives implemented by the state to improve education, financial support and development in tribal areas.
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