What was intended to be a celebration of tribal heritage has turned into a political controversy after President Droupadi Murmu expressed disappointment over the arrangements for the International Santal Conference in West Bengal’s Darjeeling district.
President Raises Concerns Over Venue and Attendance
Speaking after attending the event, Murmu questioned the choice of venue and said she was saddened that many members of the Santal community could not attend a conference meant to celebrate their own culture.
The President noted that the location selected for the programme made it difficult for people from the community to participate. She added that nearby open spaces could have accommodated a much larger gathering.
“There is so much open space here… even five lakh people could gather easily,” she said, suggesting the event could have been organised in a way that allowed wider participation.
Venue Change Triggers Controversy
The issue began after the West Bengal government shifted the conference venue from Bidhannagar in Darjeeling district to Gossainpur in the Bagdogra area on the outskirts of Siliguri. According to Murmu, the change affected accessibility for many members of the Santal community.
PM Modi Criticises West Bengal Government
Prime Minister Narendra Modi strongly criticised the Trinamool Congress government in West Bengal over the episode, describing the situation as “shameful and unprecedented.”
In a post on X, Modi said the anguish expressed by the President had saddened people across the country.
“Everyone who believes in democracy and the empowerment of tribal communities is disheartened,” he wrote.
The Prime Minister added that Murmu’s remarks carried special weight because she herself belongs to a tribal community. He accused the state administration of mishandling the event and said the office of the President must always be respected and kept above politics.
Absence of Chief Minister Raises Protocol Questions
The controversy intensified when the President referred to the absence of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and her ministers during the visit.
Under usual protocol, the Chief Minister or a senior minister is expected to receive the President during official visits. However, Murmu was reportedly received at the airport by Siliguri Mayor Gautam Deb.
In a personal remark, the President said she considers herself a “daughter of Bengal” and referred to Banerjee as her younger sister, adding that she was unsure whether the Chief Minister was upset with her.
Mamata Banerjee Rejects Allegations
Responding to the criticism, Banerjee denied any violation of protocol. In a post on X, she said the President was received and seen off according to the official lineup approved by the President’s Secretariat.
She stated that the reception team included the Mayor of the Siliguri Municipal Corporation, the Darjeeling District Magistrate and the Siliguri Police Commissioner. Banerjee also suggested that the organisers of the conference may not have been fully prepared and maintained that there was no lapse on the part of the district administration.
Centre Seeks Report on President’s Visit
As the political row intensified, the central government sought a detailed explanation from the West Bengal administration. Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan has asked the state’s Chief Secretary to submit a report by Sunday evening on the alleged lapses during Murmu’s visit.
According to sources, the Ministry of Home Affairs has requested clarification on several issues, including the venue change, alterations to the President’s travel route, protocol arrangements and logistical facilities at the event.
Officials also want to know why senior state officials—including the Chief Minister, the Chief Secretary and the Director General of Police—were not present during the President’s arrival and departure.
Political Tensions Rise
The episode has escalated into a fresh confrontation between the BJP-led central government and the Trinamool Congress administration in West Bengal.
While BJP leaders have described the situation as a serious administrative failure, Banerjee has accused the BJP of politicising the office of the President. She also questioned why similar outrage was not expressed over incidents involving tribal communities in other states.
The controversy continues to fuel political debate as the Centre awaits the report from the West Bengal government.
