Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday criticised the ruling government of All India Trinamool Congress in West Bengal, accusing it of disrespecting President Droupadi Murmu during her recent visit to the state.
Speaking at an event organised for International Women’s Day, the Prime Minister said the actions of the state government had insulted the dignity of the President and the country’s highest constitutional office.
Referring to the controversy, Modi said the incident had deeply hurt the nation’s pride. “The country and ‘Nari Shakti’ will not forgive this insult inflicted on President Droupadi Murmu,” the Prime Minister said.
President Murmu Expresses Disappointment Over Event Arrangements
The political controversy began after President Droupadi Murmu voiced her dissatisfaction about the arrangements made during her visit to West Bengal. She described the situation as “shameful and unprecedented”.
The President had travelled to attend the 9th International Santhali Conclave, a gathering focused on the Santhal tribal community. The event was initially planned to take place in Bidhannagar. However, officials later shifted it to a smaller venue in Goshaipur near Bagdogra Airport, citing concerns about congestion in the earlier location.
This change reportedly made it difficult for many people to attend the program. During her speech at a gathering in Phansidewa near Siliguri, the President said she felt disappointed that the venue change prevented many community members from participating.
She said she was “very sad that the people here were unable to reach the conference because it was held so far away”.
“Perhaps the administration had hoped that no one would be able to attend, and the President would simply turn around and leave…” Murmu, who belongs to the Santhal community, said.
President Questions Absence of Mamata Banerjee
During her remarks, President Murmu also pointed out that Mamata Banerjee and other ministers were not present at the event.
The President said that normally when the President visits a state, the chief minister and senior officials attend the program.
She also spoke personally about her connection to the state and her relationship with the chief minister. “Generally, it is seen that when the President comes, the chief minister and other ministers remain present. But the chief minister madam didn’t come. Even I am the daughter of Bengal. I am not allowed to visit Bengal. Mamata didi is like my younger sister. Maybe she is miffed with me and that’s why the program was held so far. But never mind,” President Murmu said.
Mamata Banerjee Responds to the Criticism
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee strongly rejected the allegations and accused the BJP of turning the issue into a political controversy.
Speaking at a protest gathering in Kolkata, she claimed that the President was being used by the BJP to target her government.
“BJP has stooped so low that they are using President Droupadi Murmu to malign the state,” Banerjee said.
Responding to questions about her absence at the event, Banerjee explained that she was unable to attend due to her schedule, especially with the West Bengal assembly elections expected later this year.
Political Tensions Rise Ahead of West Bengal Elections
The dispute has intensified the political rivalry between the BJP and the ruling Trinamool Congress in West Bengal. With state elections approaching, both sides have accused each other of politicising the President’s visit.
While the central government has criticised the arrangements made for the President’s event, the state government insists that the issue is being exaggerated for political reasons.
The controversy has now become part of the wider political battle in the state, highlighting the growing tensions between the central and state leadership.
