March 7, New Delhi — President Droupadi Murmu attended the 9th International Santal Conference organized by the International Santal Council in Darjeeling, West Bengal, on Saturday.
Speaking at the conference, President Murmu expressed concern after noticing that some members of the Santal community were unable to enter the conference hall.
"While sitting here, I noticed many Santali people "wandering around dejectedly". It seems as if someone is preventing them from coming here. When I look at the field and the arrangements, I feel that such a large international gathering of the Santali community should include everyone openly," the President said.
In response to the incident, Prime Minister Narendra Modi described it as "shameful and unprecedented" and expressed sadness over the anguish voiced by the President.
In a post on social media, PM Modi wrote:
"This is shameful and unprecedented. Everyone who believes in democracy and the empowerment of tribal communities is disheartened.
The pain and anguish expressed by Rashtrapati Ji, who herself hails from a tribal community, has caused immense sadness in the minds of the people of India.
The TMC Government of West Bengal has truly crossed all limits. Their administration is responsible for this insult to the President.
It is equally unfortunate that a subject as important as Santal culture is treated so casually by the West Bengal Government.
The office of the President is above politics and the sanctity of this office should always be respected. One hopes better sense prevails among the West Bengal Government and TMC."
