New Delhi, March 8: Union Minister for Parliamentary Affairs and Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju has expressed strong criticism regarding the disrespect shown to President Droupadi Murmu during her visit to West Bengal. He emphasized that the position of the President transcends politics, describing the challenges faced by President Murmu as “unfortunate” not only for West Bengal but for the entire nation.
In a post on the social media platform X, Rijiju stated, “It is extremely unfortunate that such pain is expressed by our first tribal President, Mrs. Droupadi Murmu, not just for West Bengal but for the whole country. The office of the President is beyond politics and symbolizes the highest constitutional dignity of the nation.”
Earlier, Rijiju shared a video of President Murmu’s address, expressing his pride in being tribal and Indian. He condemned the actions of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, stating, “This shameful act has hurt my pride. Disrespecting a tribal woman who holds the office of President of India is an insult to tribal pride and an attack on the Constitution of India.”
Rijiju’s remarks came in response to President Murmu’s dissatisfaction over the last-minute change of the venue for the Santhal Conference in Darjeeling district. Although President Murmu arrived in the Siliguri Mahakuma Parishad’s Phansidewa area, neither the Chief Minister nor any minister was present to welcome her, as per protocol.
Moreover, President Murmu was scheduled to attend an event in Bidhannagar, Siliguri, but the West Bengal administration reportedly denied permission for the event, citing security concerns. Consequently, the organizers had to shift the event to a smaller venue in Ghoshpur.
Addressing the audience, President Murmu remarked that the International Santhal Conference was taking place. She expressed disappointment that the event was not held in a more accessible location, stating, “I realized that if this conference were held here, it would have been better, as this area is vast. I do not know what the administration was thinking. They said this place is crowded, but I believe that easily five lakh people could have gathered here. I do not understand why they took us away from there.”
President Murmu further noted that when the President visits a place, the Chief Minister and ministers should also be present, but they were not. “I am also a daughter of Bengal. Didi Mamata is my sister, my younger sister. I do not know if she was upset with me, which is why this happened,” she added.
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