PM Modi slams Mamata Banerjee's govt over 'insult' to Droupadi Murmu during Bengal visit: 'Crossed all limits'

PM Narendra Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday criticised the Mamata Banerjee-led All India Trinamool Congress government in West Bengal over alleged protocol lapses during the visit of President Droupadi Murmu and the sudden change of venue for the International Santal Conference that was scheduled to be held in Bidhannagar.

His remarks came after the President, in an unusual step, publicly voiced displeasure with the state government for allegedly denying permission for the International Santal Conclave in North Bengal and said neither Banerjee nor any of her ministers received her during the visit, as required by protocol.

"This is shameful and unprecedented. Everyone who believes in democracy and the empowerment of tribal communities is disheartened. The pain and anguish expressed by Rashtrapati Ji, who herself hails from a tribal community, has caused immense sadness in the minds of the people of India," the Prime Minister said.

"The TMC Government of West Bengal has truly crossed all limits. Their administration is responsible for this insult to the President. It is equally unfortunate that a subject as important as Santal culture is treated so casually by the West Bengal Government. The office of the President is above politics and the sanctity of this office should always be respected. One hopes better sense prevails among the West Bengal Government and TMC," he added.

What happened during Murmu's visit?

Murmu on Saturday said Mamata Banerjee was like her “younger sister”, but asked if the West Bengal chief minister was “upset” as neither she nor any minister from the state government was present to receive her during her trip to north Bengal.

"Mamata Banerjee is like my younger sister. I am also a daughter of Bengal. I do not know whether she is upset. Anyway, that does not matter. All of you stay well," the President said.

She also questioned the change of venue for the tribal community's annual programme from Bidhannagar to Goshaipur, where the turnout was reportedly low.

"Had the programme been held there (at Bidhannagar), it would have been better. There is ample space there, and many people could have attended. But I do not know why the state administration did not permit the meeting there. Today's programme is being held at such a place that it is difficult for people to come here. Perhaps the state government does not want the welfare of tribals, and that is why they were prevented from coming here," Murmu said.

Murmu had been invited to attend the annual programme of a tribal community, which was initially scheduled to take place at Bidhannagar in Siliguri. However, officials said the venue was later shifted to Goshaipur near Bagdogra airport due to security and logistical considerations.

When the President arrived on Saturday afternoon, only a small gathering was present. Siliguri Mayor Gautam Deb was the lone representative who received her at the airport, even though protocol generally requires the chief minister or a state minister to be present.