Kolkata/New Delhi, March 7 A fierce political battle erupted in West Bengal, a state going to polls, on Saturday, after President Droupadi Murmu highlighted the lack of development among tribal communities in northern Bengal, leading to a sharp retort from Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also accused the TMC of disrespecting the President.
This quickly escalated into a three-way political controversy involving the President, Banerjee, and Modi, adding fuel to the pre-election contest between the ruling TMC and the BJP, particularly concerning tribal outreach.
Addressing the 9th International Santal Conference near Bagdogra, Murmu expressed concern that Santal and other indigenous communities in northern Bengal had not fully benefited from development despite their contribution to the nation. This prompted a strong reaction from the TMC.
Banerjee accused the President of speaking "on the advice of the BJP" and questioned her silence regarding alleged atrocities against tribal communities in states like Manipur and Chhattisgarh.
The Prime Minister also criticized the West Bengal government for disrespecting the President during her visit, calling it "shameful and unprecedented," and alleging that the TMC had "crossed all limits."
In her address, Murmu said, "I do not believe that Santal and other indigenous communities in this area have fully benefited. The benefits of development have not reached them as they should."
Later, while addressing reporters at Phasidewa, where the event was scheduled, Murmu expressed dissatisfaction with the low turnout.
She questioned the decision to move the venue from Bidhannagar near Siliguri to a location near Bagdogra airport, suggesting that this made it difficult for tribal participants to attend.
Murmu also noted the absence of Banerjee and state ministers during her visit.
"Generally, when the President is visiting, the CM should be welcoming her, and other ministers should be present. But, she was not," Murmu said, adding that Banerjee was like her "younger sister" and that she herself was "a daughter of Bengal."
This led to a strong response from Banerjee, who accused the BJP of using the President's office to attack the state government ahead of the elections.
She further said that politics was being played "using the Hon'ble President on the advice of the BJP," and that "no work has been done for tribal communities."
"I feel ashamed to even say this. We respect the Hon'ble President. But she too, has been sent to play politics... I am sorry, Madam. I have great respect for you, but you are being guided by BJP's policies and instructions," she said, addressing a protest in Kolkata.
The CM also rejected the claim that the state government had not sent representatives to the event, stating that Siliguri Mayor Gautam Deb was present, and that the programme was not organized by the Bengal government.
"That was not a state government program. I don't know who organized it, who attended it, or who funded it," Banerjee said.
Linking the controversy to the ongoing political battle over the electoral rolls, she accused tribal voters of being targeted during the revision process.
"Do you (President Murmu) know how many tribal voters were deleted from the voter list in Bengal? Please find out about that as well and speak up against it," she said.
Banerjee also questioned the BJP's record on tribal welfare in states governed by it, citing alleged atrocities against tribal communities in Manipur, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh.
"When tribals were facing atrocities in Manipur, why were you silent? Why is Bengal being singled out?" she said.
The Prime Minister responded strongly, stating that the office of the President is above politics and its sanctity should always be respected. He expressed hope that the West Bengal government and the ruling TMC would act accordingly.
"This is shameful and unprecedented. Everyone who believes in democracy and the empowerment of tribal communities is disheartened," Modi said in a post on X.
He said that the pain and anguish expressed by the President, who herself hails from a tribal community, has caused immense sadness among 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," he said.
Modi also said that it is equally unfortunate that a subject as important as Santal culture is being treated so casually by the West Bengal government.
Meanwhile, Vice President C P Radhakrishnan described "lapses" in President Murmu's event in West Bengal as unfortunate, saying the high constitutional office must always get the dignity it deserves.
Reacting to the PM’s remarks, TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee accused the BJP-led establishment of ganging up against West Bengal.
“People of West Bengal vs BJP+ECI+ED+IT+CBI+NIA+CAPF+Governor+20 Union Ministers+10 CMs+Prime Minister+Respected Rashtrapati Ji+Godi Media. When the entire establishment lines up against Bengal, Bengal stands stronger. Bring it on!” he said on X.
The TMC and the BJP have been intensifying outreach among tribal communities in north Bengal and the Jangalmahal belt, a politically significant area in a state where 16 assembly constituencies are reserved for Scheduled Tribes, and tribal voters influence outcomes in at least 15 more.