Amit Shah Calls on Tribal Voters to Retaliate Against Insults to President Murmu
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday made a fervent appeal to tribal communities in West Bengal, urging them to utilize their electoral power to "take revenge" for what he described as continuous insults directed at President Droupadi Murmu by the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC). Addressing a rally in Chhatna, Bankura district, Shah emphasized that the BJP would elect a "son of the soil" as Chief Minister if it assumes office in the state.
Shah's Rally in Bankura Highlights Tribal Discontent
"Droupadi Murmu ji came to meet tribal community members in Bengal, and Mamata ji insulted her," Shah stated, referring to TMC chief Mamata Banerjee. "I have come to appeal to every tribal brother and sister to avenge the insult to Murmu ji through Mamata Banerjee. She cannot accept that a poor, tribal daughter has become the President of India." Shah's remarks were delivered at a rally in Chhatna, Bankura, where he explicitly called on tribal community members to "avenge" the perceived disrespect through their votes.
Shah addressed two rallies in Chhatna, Bankura, and Baghmundi, Purulia—both districts with significant tribal populations. He accused the TMC of dividing Santhals and Kurmis for 15 years, blaming the party for fostering divisions within tribal communities. Furthermore, Shah criticized both TMC and Congress for neglecting tribal communities for decades, noting that "neither Mamata Banerjee nor Congress" ever elected a member of the tribal community to the post of President.
BJP's Promises for Tribal Welfare and Language Inclusion
Highlighting the BJP's commitment, Shah said, "Narendra Modi ji decided to make a Santhal sister the President of India. It was an honour to the entire tribal community." At his Baghmundi rally, Shah announced that the BJP has pledged to include both Kurmali and Rajbanshi languages in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution, a move aimed at recognizing and preserving tribal linguistic heritage.
Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while addressing a rally at Kushmandi in South Dinajpur, also touched upon the "insult to the first tribal woman President" in Bengal, reinforcing the party's narrative on this issue.
Uniform Civil Code and Other BJP Promises
Shah also harped on the BJP's promise to implement the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) within six months of assuming office, arguing that it would end "appeasement politics." He asserted that a single law should apply to all citizens regardless of religion, stating, "Some people have four wives. Nobody will be able to have four wives after UCC is implemented."
In addition, Shah reiterated the BJP's promise to end "love jihad" and the usurping of land by "infiltrators" through "land jihad." He took a dig at TMC's "corruption," claiming that crores sent by the central government for development projects were misappropriated by TMC members.
Economic Promises for Farmers
Shah made specific economic promises, including lifting the ban on potato exports. "Potato farmers are forced to sell their produce for Rs 2/kg. The day BJP assumes office, the ban on potato exports will be lifted that same night," he added, aiming to address agricultural distress in the state.
Overall, Shah's rallies in West Bengal focused on mobilizing tribal voters by highlighting perceived insults to President Murmu, promising tribal welfare initiatives, and outlining broader BJP policies on UCC, corruption, and economic issues.
