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 not only with the President herself, but also with Prime Minister Narendra Modi who expressed his disapproval over the state’s decision.
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.
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.
“An insult to the president”
Prime Minister Modi also responded by saying that “the TMC government in West Bengal has truly crossed all limits” in an angry post. “This is shameful and unprecedented. Everyone who believes in democracy and empowerment of tribal communities is frustrated. The pain and suffering expressed by Rashtrapati Ji, who herself hails from a tribal community, has caused immense grief in the minds of the people of India,” Modi wrote in a post on X while sharing a video of President Murmu speaking at the event.
He added that the West Bengal administration was “responsible for this insult to the President” and that it was “equally unfortunate that an important subject like Santal culture is being treated so casually by the West Bengal government”.
“The office of President is above politics and the sanctity of that office must always be respected. One hopes that a better sense will prevail between the West Bengal government and the TMC,” the Prime Minister wrote.
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.
“I can welcome you if you come once a year, but if you come during elections, it will not be possible for me to attend your programs as I am busy with people’s rights,” Banerjee said.
