PM Modi Slams Bengal Government Over 'Insult' to President Murmu, Says People Will Oust TMC

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on International Women's Day criticised the West Bengal government over the alleged protocol lapse during President Droupadi Murmu’s visit to the state and expressed concern over the incident, stating that people of the state will never forgive the TMC for insulting a woman, a tribal, the President of the country. 

What did PM Modi say?

While addressing the public event in the national capital, PM Modi said that President Droupadi Murmu, who belongs to the Santhal community, was allegedly insulted by the West Bengal government on Saturday and remarks made by the government also hurt the Santhal community.

While speaking on the occasion of International Women’s Day, the Prime Minister Modi said the people of West Bengal, especially women, would eventually remove the ruling party from power.

Reacting to the development, PM Modi said the dignity of the President’s office must remain above politics. He blamed the West Bengal government for the situation and said it had “crossed all limits.” 

"Droupadi Murmu had gone to Bengal to attend a major celebration of the Santhal. But instead of honouring the President, the TMC boycotted this sacred and important event. She herself comes from the tribal community and has been concerned about the development of the tribal community, PM Modi said.

While expressing concern regarding the incident, PM Modi said, "The TMC government left that event to mismanagement. This is not only an insult to the President but also an insult to the Constitution of India. It is an insult to the spirit of the Constitution. It is also an insult to the great tradition of democracy..."

What did PM Modi say about TMC?

During the address, PM Modi said, "It is said in our country that no matter how powerful a person is, he is ultimately destroyed by ego. Today, from the nation's capital, I am appealing to all of you that the dirty politics and arrogance of power of the TMC, which insulted the dignity of a tribal President, will soon be shattered. The enlightened people of West Bengal will never forgive the TMC for insulting a woman, a tribal, the President of the country. The country will never forgive them either. The tribal community of the country will never forgive them. The women of the country will never forgive them."

What is the reason of the controversy?

President Droupadi Murmu had visited in the Phansidewa area of ​​Siliguri Mahakuma Parishad in West Bengal to attend the 9th International Santhal Conference. 

The President expressed displeasure and regret that the Chief Minister or any state minister was not present to receive her as per established protocol. However, she stated that she personally had no objection to this.

After the event, she expressed displeasure with the venue chosen for the conference. The President stated that the venue was too small, preventing a large number of Santhal community members from attending the event. She explained that the venue lacked sufficient space for even five thousand people.

Why was President displeased?

After the conference, the President arrived at the Bidhannagar Ground to attend another event. She expressed surprise at the size of the ground, stating that it was large enough to accommodate millions of people. She added that if the International Santhal Conference had been held there, nearly five lakh people could have attended. The President questioned why such a small venue was chosen for the event when such a large venue was available.