New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi took a jibe at the All India Trinamool Congress government after President Droupadi Murmu voiced concerns regarding arrangements during her visit to West Bengal. Modi called the incident shameful and unprecedented on his social media.
President Murmu was on her one-day visit to Siliguri on Saturday as she travelled to attend the 9th International Santal Conference organised by the International Santal Council.
She raised concern on the choice of the venue as it was too small for a large gathering. “Mamata is like my little sister. Maybe she is angry. I don’t know why she chose to organise an international event in such a cramped venue. Had the venue been bigger, more people would have attended the conference,” Murmu said.
The president also pointed out the protocol lapses during her Siliguri visit, and no state minister arrived at the venue to receive her.
PM Modi reacted strongly after the incident, as he said that the state government had hurt the dignity of the President’s office.
“This is shameful and unprecedented. Everyone who believes in democracy and the empowerment of tribal communities is disheartened,” the Prime Minister wrote.
Modi also said that the TMC party crossed all limits and the administration is responsible for the insult to the President.
Additionally, the BJP party also accused the state government, following the PM’s remark, as TMC disrespected the country’s highest constitutional office.
Mamata Banerjee’s response
TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee addressed a sit-in protest against the SIR in central Kolkata and responded to the displeasure over the state government by the President.
Mamata said that TMC respected the President, but she came to promote the BJP’s politics and fulfil their agenda.
“Where has the BJP taken the Constitution today? We feel ashamed to say that. We respect the honorable President. Now she has also been sent to promote the BJP’s politics and fulfil the BJP’s agenda. I am sorry, Madam. I have the utmost respect for you. But you have fallen into the BJP’s trap,” the Chief Minister said.
The TMC supremo also said that the state government is unaware of the event she attended. She also said that if someone comes every day, how can the state government attend every time?
She suggested the President come once a year, and she will come to receive her.