New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday criticised the government led by Mamata Banerjee 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 scheduled in Bidhannagar.
The remarks came after Murmu expressed displeasure with the State government for allegedly denying permission for the International Santal Conclave in North Bengal. The president also stated that neither the CM nor any state minister received her during the visit, which she said was against established protocol.
In a post on X, Modi described the incident as “shameful and unprecedented”. He criticised the All India Trinamool Congress government for what he called casual treatment of the Santal community. The PM stressed that the office of the president stood above politics and deserved respect.
“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,” the PM said.
The 9th International Santhali Conclave was originally planned in Bidhannagar. However, Murmu alleged that State authorities later shifted the venue to a smaller site in Goshaipur near Bagdogra Airport, citing congestion. Organisers also raised concerns about stage arrangements and inadequate toilet facilities at the new venue.
Murmu later travelled to Bidhannagar in the Phansidewa area, which has a significant Adivasi population. She said many members of the Santal community would not be able to reach the alternative venue and added that the development had left her deeply hurt.
The president also highlighted protocol issues during her arrival. She said the CM and State ministers did not come to receive her at the airport, while only Gautam Deb, the Mayor of Siliguri, was present to welcome her.
Murmu also remarked that she considered herself a daughter of Bengal and referred to Mamata Banerjee as a younger sister. She added that she did not know the reason for the situation but wished well for the CM and the people present at the event.
Speaking at the conclave, Murmu said the Union government had worked over the past decade to strengthen tribal pride and promote development for tribal communities. She questioned whether development and welfare benefits meant for Santhals and other tribal groups were reaching them in the region.
Meanwhile, the BJP accused the Trinamool Congress government of disregarding the dignity of the President’s office.
“When a State government begins to disregard the dignity of the office of the President of India, it reflects not just administrative failure but a breakdown of constitutional propriety and governance. This is not merely discourtesy. It is institutional disrespect and another reminder of how governance in Bengal has descended into chaos,” Amit Malviya, National In-charge of the BJP’s IT Department, said in a post on X.
