Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday criticised the government of Mamata Banerjee in West Bengal. He alleged that it showed serious disrespect towards President Droupadi Murmu.
PM Modi said the incident amounted to an insult to the Constitution and weakened the country’s democratic traditions.
Speaking at a large public gathering held at a DDA Ground in Burari, New Delhi, the Prime Minister stated, “Yesterday, the TMC government of West Bengal gravely insulted President Droupadi Murmu. Droupadi Murmu ji travelled to Bengal to participate in a significant celebration of the Santhal community. However, instead of recognising the President, the TMC chose to boycott this sacred and vital occasion of the Santhal community. She hails from the tribal community and has dedicated herself to the advancement of tribal welfare.”
The Prime Minister’s comments followed remarks by President Murmu. She had spoken about the last-minute relocation of a Santhal conference in the Darjeeling district of West Bengal on Saturday.
The programme initially took place at Phansidewa. Later, organisers shifted the gathering to a smaller venue in Gossaipur. The state administration had reportedly refused permission for the original site, citing security-related concerns.
While addressing the gathering, President Murmu voiced unease over the sudden change of venue. She said the shift caused difficulties for many attendees.
President Murmu also pointed out that during her visit to the state, neither Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee nor any member of her cabinet met her.
PM Modi further alleged that the Trinamool Congress government allowed the event to become disorganised. He said the situation was not only disrespectful to the President but also undermined the Constitution of India and the democratic values associated with it.
The Prime Minister added that the incident remains particularly unfortunate given the President’s personal journey and achievements. He said it affronts women striving to reach important positions in society.
The Prime Minister also criticised the Trinamool Congress for what he described as divisive and negative politics. He claimed that the party had insulted a President who belongs to the tribal community and warned that arrogance in power eventually leads to downfall.
Addressing supporters from the national capital, PM Modi asserted, “It is said in our country that no matter how powerful a person is, he is ultimately destroyed by ego. Today, from the nation’s capital, I am appealing to all of you. The dirty politics and arrogance of power of the TMC, which insulted the dignity of a tribal President, will soon be shattered. The enlightened people of West Bengal will never forgive the TMC for insulting a woman, a tribal, the President of the country. The country will never forgive them either. The tribal community of the country will never forgive them. The women of the country will never forgive them.”
The Trinamool Congress-led state government in West Bengal has faced strong criticism from several quarters. The criticism followed developments related to the President’s programme.
However, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Trinamool Congress national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee responded through statements on social media. They rejected the allegations made against the state government.
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