In an attack on the ruling All India Trinamool Congress government in West Bengal, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday, speaking at a Women’s Day event, criticized the government for “insulting” President Draupadi Murmu.
This comes after President Draupadi Murmu expressed her dissatisfaction with the arrangements during her visit to the state, describing them as “shameful and unprecedented.”
Referring to Murmu, he said the remarks amounted to an affront to the dignity of the highest constitutional office in the country. “The country and Nari Shakti will never forgive this insult meted out to President Draupadi Murmu,” the Prime Minister said.
The change of venue for the 9th International Santhali Conclave in West Bengal, and the absence of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and other ministers at the event attended by President Draupadi Murmu, turned into a war of words on Saturday with not only the President herself, but Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressing his disapproval over the state’s decision.
Read also Chief Murmu points out change of venue at Santhal conference, says Bengal CM did not attend
But West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee responded to the criticism.
On Saturday, President Murmu attended the conclave of the tribal community that was initially supposed to be held in Bidhannagar, but later moved to a smaller venue in Joshaipur near Bagdogra airport due to crowding, officials told HT on condition of anonymity. The president did not like this change, who said that she was “very sad that people here could not reach the conference because it was held in a remote place.”
“Perhaps the administration was hoping that no one would be able to attend and the president would simply turn around and leave…” Murmu, who belongs to the Santal community, said while addressing a gathering in Phansidwa near Siliguri.
Read also Protocol lapses on President Murmu’s visit to Bengal: Center asks state to submit detailed report by today
President Murmu proceeded to call Mamata Banerjee her “younger sister” and wondered if the latter was “annoyed” with her. “Generally, it is observed that when the President comes, the Prime Minister and other ministers remain present. But the Prime Minister did not come. Even I am a daughter of Bengal. I am not allowed to visit Bengal. Mamata Didi is like my younger sister. Maybe she is upset with me and that is why the program has been held so far. But it does not matter,” President Murmu said.
Mamata Banerjee responds
CM Mamata Banerjee accused the President of playing politics “at the behest of the BJP”.
“The BJP has stooped so low that they are using President Draupadi Murmu to defame the state,” Banerjee said at a protest site in Kolkata.
Asked by Murmu why Banerjee did not come to join her at the event, Banerjee said it was not always possible for her, especially ahead of the state Assembly elections scheduled for later this year.
