Prime Minister Narendra Modi criticised the West Bengal administration for selecting a remote venue for the International Santal Conference. He stated that the decision effectively restricted participation by tribal attendees.
PM Modi described the choice as a slight to President Droupadi Murmu and the Santal community.
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… https://t.co/XGzwMCMFrT
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 7, 2026
The controversy followed President Murmu’s address on March 7, 2026, in Darjeeling.
The President openly voiced disappointment over the limited presence of tribal representatives. She said the congested and distant location discouraged community members from attending the gathering.
President Murmu emphasised that such events should strengthen participation rather than restrict it.
President Murmu belongs to the Santal tribal community and has often spoken about indigenous welfare. She underlined that conferences dedicated to tribal heritage must remain accessible to the people they represent.
Observers noted that her remarks carried wider implications for tribal representation and inclusion.
During the conference, President Murmu highlighted the legacy of prominent Santal revolutionaries. She recalled Tilka Majhi, who led one of the earliest recorded tribal uprisings against British exploitation in 1785.
She also referred to the 1855 Hul rebellion led by Sido and Kanhu Murmu, along with Chand, Bhairav, Phoolo and Jhano, against oppressive zamindari rule.
As India’s first President from the Santhal tribe, President Murmu urged communities to preserve cultural traditions while embracing modern education.
She advocated multilingual literacy to connect the Ol Chiki script with other languages and expand learning opportunities.
Photographs from the event showed the President planting a sapling to promote environmental stewardship.
President Murmu also presented awards to notable contributors to Santal culture and scholarship. The conference emphasised global Santal unity and sustainable development.
Meanwhile, PM Modi’s remarks intensified the political dispute between the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Trinamool Congress in West Bengal.
Analysts say the controversy may influence sentiment in tribal-dominated constituencies ahead of future elections.
Recent data shows progress in tribal education. Literacy among tribal communities has increased from about 42 per cent in 2011 to more than 60 per cent by 2026.
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