Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday attacked the ruling Trinamool Congress government in West Bengal. He accused the state government of disrespecting President Droupadi Murmu. Modi spoke about the issue during a Women's Day event.
The criticism came after President Murmu expressed disappointment over the arrangements during her recent visit to the state. She called the situation “shameful and unprecedented”.
Modi said the incident insulted the dignity of the country’s highest constitutional office. “The country and ‘Nari Shakti’ will not forgive this insult inflicted on President Droupadi Murmu,” the Prime Minister said.
Venue Change Sparks Political Row
The controversy began after officials changed the venue of the 9th International Santhali Conclave in West Bengal. The event was earlier planned in Bidhannagar. Later, officials shifted it to a smaller venue in Goshaipur near Bagdogra Airport. They cited congestion as the reason for the change.
However, the decision created problems for many attendees. Several people could not reach the event because of the distant location. The issue grew bigger when Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and other ministers did not attend the event.
President Murmu Voices Disappointment
President Murmu spoke about the issue during her address at Phansidewa near Siliguri. She said she felt unhappy about the arrangements.
She said she was “very sad that the people here were unable to reach the conference because it was held so far away".
President Murmu also questioned the administration’s intentions. “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, also spoke about the absence of the chief minister. She referred to Mamata Banerjee as her “younger sister”.
“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 Criticism
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee rejected the allegations. She accused the BJP of politicising the issue. She also claimed that the President’s remarks were influenced by the BJP.
"BJP has stooped so low that they are using President Droupadi Murmu to malign the state," Banerjee said while speaking at a protest site in Kolkata, according to PTI.
Banerjee also responded to Murmu’s question about her absence. She said she cannot attend every event. She added that her schedule is especially busy because West Bengal assembly elections will take place later this year.
The issue has now triggered a fresh political clash between the BJP and the Trinamool Congress ahead of the elections.