“Is She Upset With Me?” President Murmu Asks Mamata Banerjee As No Bengal Minister Receives Her

President Droupadi Murmu on Saturday criticised the West Bengal government during her visit to north Bengal, questioning why Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee or any member of her cabinet was not present to receive her. The remarks come weeks ahead of the Assembly elections in the state and have triggered a sharp political exchange.

Speaking at the International Santhal Conference, the President also raised concerns about the decision to shift the venue of the event from Bidhannagar to Goshaipur, where attendance was reportedly low.

President Questions Change In Venue

President Murmu expressed surprise over the change in location for the conference, saying the original venue in Bidhannagar had sufficient space to host a larger gathering.

"I do not know why the state administration did not allow the meeting there. There is ample space. I am also a daughter of Bengal. Mamata Banerjee is like my younger sister. I do not know whether she is upset, which is why the programme was held there (in Goshaipur). But that does not matter. All of you stay well," the President said.

Murmu had attended the International Santhal Conference as the chief guest, an event organised for members of the tribal community.

Questions Raised On Tribal Development

During her address, the President also questioned whether development initiatives for tribal communities were effectively reaching people in the region. She said the Centre had worked to strengthen tribal identity and development in the past decade.

"Is development taking place for Santhals and tribals in this region? I don't think so. Are the development and facilities (from the Centre) reaching you? I don't think so.... I think some people are being stopped from coming here (to this event)... Maybe some people don't want the Santhals to unite, progress, be educated and gain strength," she said.

Her remarks quickly sparked political reactions in the state.

PM Modi Calls Situation "Shameful And Unprecedented"

Prime Minister Narendra Modi criticised the developments hours after the President questioned the venue change and the absence of state representatives during her visit.

Reacting to the situation, Modi described it as "shameful and unprecedented". Leaders of the Bharatiya Janata Party also accused the ruling Trinamool Congress of disregarding the dignity of the office of the President.

The BJP said the state government should have ensured proper protocol and presence during the President's visit.

Mamata Banerjee Calls Remarks Political

Responding to the President's statements, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said the comments appeared political in nature. She made the remarks while participating in a protest in Kolkata against the Special Intensive Revision of voter rolls.

"I would like to humbly request the President not to make statements that don't speak well of your post. You spoke about one community today, you didn't speak about the rest of the communities here in Bengal. You know how to play politics. I request my MPs to take an appointment from Rashtrapati Bhawan and submit a memorandum about all the work done for the development of ST/SC communities here," Banerjee said.

The Trinamool Congress later listed several welfare measures taken by the state government for tribal communities, defending its record on development.