"Daughter of Bengal" vs. Chief Minister: Mamata Banerjee skips President Murmu’s Santal conference, controversy erupts

NEW DELHI: A major political controversy has erupted following West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s absence from the 9th International Santal Conference, attended by President Droupadi Murmu. The President, who visited North Bengal for the event, expressed dissatisfaction over the proceedings, noting that she is also a "daughter of Bengal" and wondering if the Chief Minister’s absence—along with that of her ministers—was due to personal animosity.

The dispute centres on the event's venue. While originally scheduled for Bidhannagar in the Phansidewa block near Siliguri, the state administration shifted the location to Goshaipur near Bagdogra Airport, citing security and logistical reasons. The President openly questioned this decision, noting that the original site in Bidhannagar could have easily accommodated a much larger crowd and suggesting the move prevented many from the Santal community from attending.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi criticized the West Bengal government, labeling the incident "shameful and unprecedented" and accusing the Trinamool Congress (TMC) of insulting the President and the Santal community. Meanwhile, BJP leader and Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar alleged that the venue had been changed multiple times by the state administration.

In response, Mamata Banerjee accused the BJP of using the President's office to engage in partisan politics to malign the state government. She further defended her administration's conduct, noting that the protocol regarding the President’s reception was followed as per the approved line-up. Additionally, she questioned the President’s silence regarding alleged atrocities against tribal communities in other states, such as Manipur, and criticized the BJP for politicizing the event during an election period.