Droupadi Murmu’s ‘Is She Upset With Me?’ Remark Sparks Political Row With Mamata Banerjee

Droupadi Murmu on Saturday questioned the absence of senior leaders from the West Bengal government during her visit to north Bengal, asking whether Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee was upset with her.

The President made the remarks while addressing the International Santal Conference, where she attended as the chief guest.

Criticising the state administration, Murmu also raised questions about the change of venue for the event. The conference was originally scheduled to be held in Bidhannagar but was later shifted to Goshaipur.

"I do not know why the state administration did not allow the meeting there. There is ample space. I am also a daughter of Bengal. Mamata Banerjee is like my younger sister. I do not know whether she is upset, which is why the programme was held there (in Goshaipur). But that does not matter. All of you stay well," the President said.

Murmu also questioned the development of tribal communities in the region.

"Is development taking place for Santals and tribals in this region? I don't think so. Are the development and facilities (from the Centre) reaching you? I don't think so.... I think some people are being stopped from coming here (to this event)... Maybe some people don't want the Santals to unite, progress, be educated and gain strength," she said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi later shared a video of the President’s remarks and criticised the state government.

"This is shameful and unprecedented. Everyone who believes in democracy and the empowerment of tribal communities is disheartened. The pain and anguish expressed by Rashtrapati Ji, who herself hails from a tribal community, has caused immense sadness in the minds of the people of India," the Prime Minister wrote.

"The TMC Government of West Bengal has truly crossed all limits. Their administration is responsible for this insult to the President. It is equally unfortunate that a subject as important as Santal culture is treated so casually by the West Bengal Government," he added.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah also criticised the state government.

"The TMC Government in West Bengal today hit a new low in its anarchic behaviour by humiliating the President of India with its glaring disregard for protocol," Shah wrote on X.

Responding to the President’s remarks, Banerjee said the statements appeared political.

"I would like to humbly request the President not to make statements that don't speak well of your post. You spoke about one community today, you didn't speak about the rest of the communities here in Bengal. You know how to play politics. I request my MPs to take an appointment from Rashtrapati Bhawan and submit a memorandum about all the work done for the development of ST/SC communities here," she said.

"Don't play politics on the advice of the BJP ahead of polls. Do you know how many tribals were deleted from the voter lists here? Do you keep that information... If you come once a year, I can welcome you. But, if you come repeatedly during election time, how is it possible for me to attend everything?" she added.

The All India Trinamool Congress later said the President appeared to be misinformed about development initiatives for tribal communities in the state.

"It is extremely unfortunate that the Honourable President appears to be under the misinformed impression that there has been no development for Adivasi communities in Bengal," the party said in a post on X.

The party also highlighted welfare initiatives for tribal communities, including financial assistance under the Lakshmir Bhandar scheme. It said the monthly support for Scheduled Tribe women has been increased by Rs 500 to Rs 1,700 per month.

The Trinamool Congress also referred to scholarships for ST students, the establishment of schools for tribal communities and development programmes in tribal areas.