Intro: The PM criticised alleged protocol breach during President Murmu’s recent Bengal visit

Kolkata

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said that the alleged insult to President Droupadi Murmu during her recent visit to West Bengal was an insult to the entire tribal community of the country.

Addressing a massive rally at the Brigade Parade Ground in Kolkata, Modi said the incident showed disrespect towards a leader who rose from a tribal background to occupy the highest constitutional office in the country. The rally marked the conclusion of the Bharatiya Janata Party’s “Parivartan Yatra” ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections in the state.

The Prime Minister accused the Trinamool Congress government of ignoring the development needs of tribal communities in West Bengal. According to him, the ruling party had repeatedly insulted and neglected tribal people.

The controversy relates to President Murmu’s visit to Darjeeling district last week to attend the International Santal Conclave. Reports suggested there was a protocol issue when police denied permission for the originally proposed venue at Phansidewa and instead shifted the event to a smaller location at Gossaipur.

It was also reported that neither Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee nor any member of the state Cabinet was present to receive the President during the visit. The Prime Minister said the development saddened the President and raised concerns about respect for constitutional offices.

Without naming the Chief Minister directly, Modi also criticised recent remarks made by her about political unity among communities. He said such statements could create divisions in society.

Banerjee, however, rejected the criticism and said the President was being influenced by the BJP.

The Prime Minister said the people of West Bengal would respond through the ballot in the upcoming Assembly elections.