New Delhi, March 8 The BJP on Sunday strongly criticized Mamata Banerjee over her remarks about President Droupadi Murmu, urging the West Bengal Chief Minister to stop talking about protecting the Constitution if she "cannot respect" the President of the country.
"Under Mamata Banerjee's rule, only 'outsiders' are welcomed. The doors are open for them," senior BJP leader Ravi Shankar Prasad said at a press conference at the party headquarters here.
"Insult the President and welcome outsiders," he said.
Banerjee on Saturday accused President Murmu of speaking "at the behest of the BJP," questioning her "silence" on "atrocities" against tribal communities in states such as Manipur and Chhattisgarh.
Banerjee's remarks came after President Murmu expressed her displeasure over the change of venue of the Santal conference, which she attended in the state, and the absence of the Chief Minister and her ministers during her visit.
Hitting back, Prasad said, "She (Mamata Banerjee) is saying what could she do if President Murmu visits just two days in advance. This is her response."
"What kind of response is this? Is this the level of respect she has for an Indian tribal woman who is the President?" the BJP leader asked, adding, "This is very shameful and condemnable."
Prasad further said, "I request Mamata ji to stop pretending that the Constitution is in danger if she cannot give respect to the President of India, who is the supreme commander of the armed forces, apart from being the constitutional head. She is also a distinguished woman from the tribal community."
The former Union minister also accused Banerjee of exercising "dictatorship" in West Bengal.
"Mamata Banerjee's dictatorship has become so strong that she has become the law unto herself. This is not right. The country functions with democracy, dignity, and respect for institutions. But, she has decided to disregard all institutions," he charged.
