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President Murmu questioned the TMC government for denying permission to an adivasi event, while stressing that she had no grudges against “sister” Mamata Banerjee.
President Droupadi Murmu addressing an event in Siliguri.
In a rare rebuke, President Droupadi Murmu on Saturday publicly expressed displeasure with the West Bengal government for allegedly denying permission for an International Adivasi Conclave in North Bengal, where she was scheduled to attend as chief guest.
Speaking during her visit to Siliguri, the President also pointed to lapses in protocol and preparations, emphasising that neither Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee nor any of her ministers received her during his visit.
The 9th International Santhali Conclave was initially supposed to take place in Bidhannagar. However, Murmu alleged that West Bengal authorities changed the venue to a smaller one in Goshaipur near Bagdogra Airport, citing congestion. Organisers also complained about improper stage arrangements and poor toilet facilities.
Murmu later travelled to Bidhannagar in the Phansidewa area, a region with a significant Adivasi population, where she interacted with local residents. She highlighted the social harmony in the region, saying communities including Adivasis, Gorkhas, Rajbangshis and Bengalis had lived together peacefully.
“I came here very easily, but the administration apparently said that it would become overcrowded here. However, I can see that even a gathering of 500,000 people could be accommodated here,” Murmu said while addressing locals in Siliguri. “At the place where the event is being held, not all Santhals will be able to go. I felt that the brothers and sisters here would not all be able to attend the event.”
“Perhaps the administration thought that no one would be able to go there. They thought that the President would arrive, hold the event in an empty place, and return. I don’t know what came to their minds, but I am very hurt,” she added.
No Grudges With ‘Sister’ Mamata
President Murmu also flagged protocol lapses by the Bengal government, saying that neither the Chief Minister nor the state ministers came to receive her at the airport. Only Siliguri Mayor Gautam Deb had arrived at the airport to welcome the President.
“The administration said that this is a very congested area. I thought I should come and see how congested it really is. If needed, I would ask the state government to arrange more space. But there is already such a large area here,” she added.
However, the President made it clear that she held no grudges with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. “I am also a daughter of Bengal. Yet I am not allowed to come here. Mamata ‘Didi’ is like my younger sister. I don’t know, maybe she is angry with me for some reason. Anyway, I have no complaints with her. May she also stay well, and may all of you stay well,” she said.
BJP Slams ‘Complete Collapse’ In Bengal
The BJP lashed out at the West Bengal government, terming the events as a “complete collapse of the constitutional framework” under the Trinamool Congress.
“In a rare and unprecedented development, the Hon’ble President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu, openly expressed displeasure over the lack of preparation and protocol during her visit to Siliguri. Even more shocking, the state government denied permission for the International Santhali Conclave, where the President herself was the Chief Guest,” said BJP leader Amit Malviya.
The events in West Bengal today point to a complete collapse of the constitutional framework under the Mamata Banerjee government.In a rare and unprecedented development, the Hon’ble President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu, openly expressed displeasure over the lack of… pic.twitter.com/ZMiRwZkVbJ
— Amit Malviya (@amitmalviya) March 7, 2026
“When a state government begins to disregard the dignity of the office of the President of India, it reflects not just administrative failure but a breakdown of constitutional propriety and governance. This is not merely discourtesy. It is institutional disrespect and another reminder of how governance in Bengal has descended into chaos,” he added.
Mamata Banerjee Hits Back
Meanwhile, Mamata Banerjee hit back at the President, saying that she had great respect for Murmu, but advised her to refrain from politics. “We respect the Honourable President. She has been sent to do politics and advance the BJP’s agenda. I am sorry madam, I have great regard for you, but you are trapped by the BJP,” Banerjee said in a public event.
She said the state government was not informed about the President’s visit and added that the government had other work to do. “You are the priority of the BJP and the public is a priority of mine. I did not know about the programme, about the organisers or who is attending the programme,” she said.
She also criticised the President for implying that the Bengal government did not do much for tribals. “Why were you silent when tribals were being persecuted in Manipur? Why do you remain silent in the case of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh? We have given recognition to tribal languages – the Santali language is used for state government services. We have provided schools and universities for Santalis,” she charged.
“You have not been able to do even a single piece of work. Do something first, and then speak about the BJP. We respect you, you are in the number one chair of India. Do not do politics during elections as per the BJP’s advice,” Banerjee said.
She also questioned the change of Governors in several states during elections, and accused the BJP of planning to impose President’s Rule in West Bengal. “No matter how much you attack, Bengal will win again. After the elections in West Bengal, the target will be Delhi,” she said.
Siliguri, India, India
March 07, 2026, 16:12 IST
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