In a rare rebuke, President Droupadi Murmu on Saturday publicly expressed displeasure with the West Bengal government for allegedly denying permission for an International Adivasi Conclave in North Bengal, where she was scheduled to attend as chief guest.

Speaking during her visit to Siliguri, the President also pointed to lapses in protocol and preparations, emphasising that neither Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee nor any of her ministers received her during his visit.

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The 9th International Santhali Conclave was initially supposed to take place in Bidhannagar. However, Murmu alleged that West Bengal authorities changed the venue to a smaller one in Goshaipur near Bagdogra Airport, citing congestion. Organisers also complained about improper stage arrangements and poor toilet facilities.

Murmu later travelled to Bidhannagar in the Phansidewa area, a region with a significant Adivasi population, where she interacted with local residents. She highlighted the social harmony in the region, saying communities including Adivasis, Gorkhas, Rajbangshis and Bengalis had lived together peacefully.

“I came here very easily, but the administration apparently said that it would become overcrowded here. However, I can see that even a gathering of 500,000 people could be accommodated here," Murmu said while addressing locals in Siliguri. “At the place where the event is being held, not all Santhals will be able to go. I felt that the brothers and sisters here would not all be able to attend the event."

“Perhaps the administration thought that no one would be able to go there. They thought that the President would arrive, hold the event in an empty place, and return. I don’t know what came to their minds, but I am very hurt," she added.

No Grudges With ‘Sister’ Mamata

President Murmu also flagged protocol lapses by the Bengal government, saying that neither the Chief Minister nor the state ministers came to receive her at the airport. Only Siliguri Mayor Gautam Deb had arrived at the airport to welcome the President.

“The administration said that this is a very congested area. I thought I should come and see how congested it really is. If needed, I would ask the state government to arrange more space. But there is already such a large area here," she added.

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