Prime MinisterNarendra Modion Saturday hit out at the Trinamool Congress (TMC) government in West Bengal for "insulting" PresidentDroupadi Murmuduring her visit to the state for the 9th International Santal Conference at Gossaipur in Darjeeling district. Earlier today, President Murmu expressed displeasure over the last-minute change in the venue of the event and also pointed out that Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee or any of her cabinet colleagues did not meet her during her visit to the state, which she said was against established traditions and protocols whenever the President visits a place.
"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," PM Modi wrote in a post on X.
"The TMC Government of West Bengal has truly crossed all limits. Their administration is responsible for this insult to the President," he added.
President Droupadi Murmu on Saturday expressed dissatisfaction over the low turnout at a tribal community event held near Bagdogra airport, questioning the decision to shift the venue from Bidhannagar.
"Generally, when the President is coming, the CM should be welcoming, and other ministers should be present. But she did not come. The governor has changed and could not come. But because the date was fixed, I have come. But it's okay. I would like to thank you for coming here," she told the gathering.
"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. Perhaps the state government does not want the welfare of tribals, and that is why they were prevented from coming here," Murmu said.
"Mamata Banerjee is like my younger sister. I am also a daughter of Bengal. But I do not know why I was not allowed to come here. I do not know whether she is upset, and that is why the venue was shifted. Anyway, that does not matter. All of you stay well," the President said.
President Murmu's event was initially scheduled to be held at Phansidewa in the same district. However, the organisers had to shift the venue at the last moment to a smaller location at Gossaipur after the state administration reportedly denied permission for the programme at Phansidewa on security grounds.
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