A political storm broke out in West Bengal after Prime Minister Narendra Modi strongly criticised the Trinamool Congress government following remarks made by President Droupadi Murmu during an event in north Bengal.
The controversy began when President Murmu expressed disappointment over the change in venue of the International Santal Conference and the absence of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and her ministers during her visit.
Reacting sharply, Modi described the episode as “shameful and unprecedented” and said the President’s emotional remarks had saddened people across the country.
Modi Says Nation Saddened by President’s Pain
In a post on social media platform X, the Prime Minister said the situation had deeply hurt those who believe in democracy and the empowerment of tribal communities.
“This is shameful and unprecedented. Everyone who believes in democracy and the empowerment of tribal communities is disheartened,” Modi wrote.
“The pain and anguish expressed by Rashtrapati Ji, who herself comes from a tribal community, has caused immense sadness in the minds of the people of India,” he added.
Modi further accused the Trinamool Congress administration of crossing all limits and said the state government was responsible for the alleged insult to the President.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah also criticised the West Bengal government, accusing it of humiliating the country’s highest constitutional office by ignoring protocol.
“The TMC Government in West Bengal today hit a new low in its anarchic behaviour by humiliating the President of India,” Shah wrote on X.
Why Did President Murmu Express Hurt During the Darjeeling Santal Conference?
The controversy erupted after President Murmu attended the International Santal Conference in north Bengal as the chief guest.
During her speech, she questioned why the venue had been shifted from Bidhannagar to Goshaipur, a location where only a small number of people were reportedly present.
Murmu said she was able to reach the venue easily despite earlier claims that the place might become overcrowded.
“Perhaps they thought 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 said.
She also made a personal remark about Mamata Banerjee, saying she considers the Chief Minister like a younger sister.
“Mamata Banerjee is like my younger sister. I am also a daughter of Bengal. I don’t know, maybe she is angry with me for some reason,” Murmu said.
Why Was the International Santal Conference Venue Shifted?
President Murmu raised questions about the decision to move the conference venue from Bidhannagar to Goshaipur, suggesting that the change limited participation from members of the Santal tribal community.
The event was organised by the International Santal Council, a cultural body representing the Santal community. The exact reason behind the venue shift has become a key issue in the political controversy that followed.
How Did Mamata Banerjee Respond to President Murmu’s Remarks and BJP’s Criticism?
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee rejected the criticism and described the President’s comments as political in nature.
Speaking during a protest in Kolkata against the Special Intensive Revision of voter rolls, Banerjee said such remarks were not appropriate for the dignity of the President’s office.
“I humbly request the President not to make statements which do not suit your post,” Banerjee said.
“You spoke about one community today but did not speak about the rest of the communities in Bengal,” she added.
Banerjee also accused the BJP of shaping the narrative and said critics should examine conditions in BJP-ruled states before targeting West Bengal.
The Trinamool Congress also defended the government, claiming the President may have received incorrect information about the event arrangements.
Party leaders said the state government has implemented several welfare schemes for tribal communities and insisted that the controversy was being amplified for political reasons.
With both sides trading sharp accusations, the episode has quickly turned into a major political flashpoint between the BJP-led central government and the TMC administration in West Bengal.
