President Murmu’s ‘upset’ remark over tribal event triggers Modi-Mamata political row

The controversy erupted following the change of venue for the 9th International Santhali Conclave, where Murmu questioned the arrangements and the absence of state leadership. 

Her comments soon triggered a war of words between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, turning the tribal cultural event into a significant political dispute.

Venue change raises concerns at Santhali conclave

Murmu attended the conclave on Saturday in Goshaipur near Bagdogra Airport in north Bengal. 

The event was originally scheduled to take place in Bidhannagar, which organisers said was better suited due to its sizeable Santhal population.

Officials later shifted the venue to Goshaipur, citing congestion concerns at the earlier location. 

The change drew criticism from the President, who expressed disappointment that many members of the tribal community could not attend the gathering.

Addressing participants at Phansidewa near Siliguri, Murmu said she was saddened by the limited participation.

She suggested that the distant location may have prevented people from reaching the event and wondered whether the arrangements were made with the expectation that attendance would be low.

Murmu, who herself belongs to the Santhal community, also noted the absence of senior state leaders at the programme.

Referring to Banerjee, she remarked that the chief minister was like her younger sister and wondered if she might be upset with her.

“Mamata didi is like my sister, younger sister. Maybe she is angry with me,” Murmu said during her address.

Murmu also said that usually, chief ministers and state ministers attend presidential visits, but none were present at the event.

PM Modi criticises Bengal government

The remarks quickly prompted a strong response from Modi, who criticised the state government’s handling of the programme.

In a post on social media platform X, Modi described the situation as “shameful and unprecedented”. 

He said the West Bengal administration had crossed limits and held it responsible for what he termed an insult to the President.

Modi added that Murmu’s expression of pain and disappointment had saddened people across the country. 

He emphasised that the office of the President stands above political considerations and deserves respect from all governments.

The Prime Minister also said it was unfortunate that an event celebrating Santhal culture had been treated casually by the state administration.

Mamata hits back, rejects allegations

Mamata Banerjee strongly rejected the criticism and accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of politicising the issue.

Speaking at a protest site in Kolkata, the chief minister alleged that the BJP was attempting to use the President’s office to tarnish the image of her government.

She claimed that the information presented to Murmu about the absence of state representatives was incorrect.

Banerjee also said that her schedule had prevented her from attending the programme.

According to the chief minister, it is not always possible for her to participate in such events, particularly as the state prepares for upcoming assembly elections later this year.

“I can welcome you if you come once a year,” Banerjee said, referring to Murmu’s visit. “But if you come during elections, it will not be possible for me to attend programmes because I am busy with people’s rights.”

Tribal development debate enters political arena

Banerjee also criticised Murmu’s comments regarding the pace of tribal development in the state. 

She accused the BJP of encouraging political narratives ahead of the election season.

The chief minister argued that the central government was attempting to turn the President’s remarks into a political issue to influence the electoral environment.

Spotlight on Santhal community and political stakes

The Santhal community forms a significant tribal population in eastern India, including regions of West Bengal, Jharkhand and Odisha. 

Cultural gatherings such as the International Santhali Conclave aim to promote tribal heritage and social unity.

However, the controversy surrounding the event has shifted public attention away from cultural celebration and towards political debate.

With both the central leadership and the state government presenting sharply different narratives, the dispute has become another flashpoint in the ongoing political contest between New Delhi and Kolkata.