PM Modi Attacks TMC for ‘Insulting’ President Murmu and Tribal Community

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday criticised the All India Trinamool Congress government in West Bengal over alleged protocol lapses during the recent visit of President Droupadi Murmu and the sudden change in venue for the International Santhal conference.

The controversy began after President Murmu publicly expressed disappointment with the state administration’s handling of the event. She alleged that permission for the International Santhal conclave in North Bengal was not granted as expected and also pointed out that neither Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee nor any state minister received her at the airport during the visit.

Reacting to the incident in a post on X, Modi described the situation as “shameful and unprecedented”. He said the episode had deeply hurt people who believe in strengthening tribal communities and respecting democratic institutions.

“The pain and anguish expressed by Rashtrapati Ji, who herself comes from a tribal background, has saddened people across the country,” the Prime Minister said. He also accused the West Bengal government of disrespecting the President’s office and treating an important cultural event related to the Santhal community casually.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah also attacked the state government, saying the episode reflected a serious disregard for constitutional institutions. According to Shah, the alleged treatment of the President during a programme involving tribal communities was not only discourteous but also an insult to the country’s constitutional values.

What happened during Murmu’s visit?

The dispute centres on arrangements for the 9th International Santhali Conclave, which was initially planned to take place in Bidhannagar. However, according to President Murmu, the venue was later shifted by the administration to a smaller location in Gosaipur, close to Bagdogra Airport, citing congestion.

Organisers reportedly raised concerns about inadequate arrangements at the new venue, including issues related to the stage and sanitation facilities. Murmu later travelled to Phansidewa, an area with a large Adivasi population, and said the sudden change in venue would make it difficult for many members of the Santhal community to attend the event.

Expressing her disappointment, the President said she felt hurt by the developments but added that she held no personal grievance against the chief minister. “I am also a daughter of Bengal. Mamata ‘Didi’ is like my younger sister. I do not know if she is upset with me for some reason, but I have no complaints,” Murmu said.

Meanwhile, the Bharatiya Janata Party accused the Trinamool Congress government of undermining constitutional norms. BJP leader Amit Malviya said the incident reflected a breakdown in governance and respect for institutions. “When a state government disregards the dignity of the office of the President of India, it reflects a serious lapse in constitutional propriety,” he said.

The incident has triggered a political row, with the BJP accusing the West Bengal government of disrespecting the President and tribal communities, while tensions between the two sides continue to escalate.