PM Modi Criticizes Mamata Banerjee's Government for Disrespecting Tribal President
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
New Delhi, March 7 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi took a strong stance against the West Bengal government regarding the recent controversy over the venue shift for the 9th International Santal Conference, where President Droupadi Murmu was set to be the chief guest. He condemned the situation as both shameful and without precedent.
On the social media platform X, the Prime Minister expressed that this event has greatly disappointed those who uphold democratic principles and advocate for the empowerment of tribal communities.
“This is truly shameful and unprecedented. All who stand for democracy and the upliftment of tribal societies feel disheartened. The distress conveyed by Rashtrapati Ji, who herself belongs to a tribal community, has caused significant sorrow among the citizens of India,” PM Modi stated.
He specifically held the Trinamool Congress (TMC) government in West Bengal accountable for the situation, asserting that the state administration was to blame for the disrespect shown to the President.
“The TMC Government of West Bengal has indeed crossed all boundaries. Their administration is responsible for this affront to the President. It is equally regrettable that a matter as significant as Santal culture is treated so lightly by the West Bengal Government,” he added.
Highlighting the importance of the highest constitutional office, PM Modi emphasized that the President's position should remain above political disputes.
“The office of the President transcends politics, and the sanctity of this role must always be upheld. One can only hope that the West Bengal Government and TMC will act with better judgment,” he remarked.
The Prime Minister's comments followed President Droupadi Murmu's dissatisfaction with the last-minute change in the venue for the Santal Conference, which was to take place in the Darjeeling district of West Bengal.
The event was initially planned for Phansidewa but had to be relocated to a smaller venue in Gossaipur after the state administration allegedly denied permission for the original site, citing security issues.
During her address at the event, President Murmu voiced her concern regarding the abrupt venue alteration and the inconvenience it caused to the attendees. She also remarked that neither Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee nor any of her Cabinet members met her during her visit to the state.