PM Modi Condemns West Bengal Government Over Treatment of President Murmu
Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a sharp criticism against the Trinamool Congress (TMC) government of West Bengal on Saturday, accusing it of showing no respect for the constitutional office of the President. This rebuke came after President Droupadi Murmu expressed her disappointment over the reception she received and the organization of a tribal community event she attended in the state.
'Shameful and Unprecedented' Incident, Says PM
"This is shameful and unprecedented. Everyone who believes in democracy and the empowerment of tribal communities is disheartened," PM Modi stated, reacting to President Murmu's comments posted on social media platform X. He emphasized that the incident has caused immense sadness across India, particularly given Murmu's own background from a tribal community.
In her remarks, President Murmu highlighted several issues, including that the venue of the event was changed to a location that made it difficult for tribal people to attend. She also noted that she was not accorded the due protocol upon her arrival. PM Modi asserted, "The pain and anguish expressed by Rashtrapati Ji has resonated deeply. The TMC Government of West Bengal has truly crossed all limits. Their administration is directly responsible for this insult to the President."
Allegations of Casual Treatment of Santal Culture
Further escalating his critique, PM Modi pointed out that it is equally unfortunate that a subject as significant as Santal culture was treated so casually by the West Bengal government. He implied that this reflects a broader disregard for tribal communities and their heritage under the current state administration.
Mamata Banerjee Accuses BJP of Political Motives
In response, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee countered the allegations by accusing the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of using President Murmu for political gains ahead of the upcoming assembly elections in the state. She suggested that the controversy is being manufactured to sway public opinion and undermine her government.
The exchange has intensified the political tensions between the BJP and TMC, with both sides trading accusations over the handling of the event and the treatment of constitutional dignitaries. The incident underscores the ongoing friction in West Bengal's political landscape, where tribal issues and electoral strategies are increasingly intertwined.
