President Droupadi Murmu on Saturday expressed concern over the poor turnout at a tribal community program organized near Bagdogra Airport. Taking a jibe at West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee, she said she did not know “if she is angry”.
She also questioned why the venue was shifted from Bidhannagar and pointed out that Banerjee and other ministers from the West Bengal government were not present during her visit, according to PTI.
“Mamata Banerjee is like my younger sister. I am also a daughter of Bengal. But I don’t know why I wasn’t allowed to come here. I don’t know if she is angry and that’s why the venue was shifted. Anyway, it doesn’t matter. Have a good time everyone,” the President said.
“CM should be welcomed when President comes”
“Generally, when Mr. President comes, the CM should be welcomed and other ministers should be present. But she didn’t come. The governor changed and he couldn’t come. But since the date was fixed, I came. But that’s okay. I want to thank you for coming here,” she told the gathering.
Murmu said that the program would be better held in Bidhannagar and noted that the venue had enough space and could accommodate a larger number of people. She did not understand why the state administration did not allow the event to be held there, noting that the current location made it difficult for people to attend. Murmu also suggested that the situation created an impression that the state government might not want the tribal communities to participate in the event.
Speaking about the challenges surrounding the event, she further said that when she traveled to an international conference, she felt that some people were not supportive of her actions. Murmu added that it seemed as if certain sections did not want the Santal community to progress, gain knowledge and unite to become stronger.
Murmu was invited to attend the annual program which was originally to be held in Bidhannagar.
However, officials said the venue was later shifted to Goshaipur citing security concerns and other logistical reasons.
When the President arrived at the venue on Saturday afternoon, only a small number of people were present. Gautam Deb was the only representative of the state government at the airport to receive her. As per protocol, the Chief Minister or a minister from the state government is usually present to welcome the President.
Meanwhile, in Kolkata, Mamata Banerjee continued her protest for the second consecutive day against the alleged arbitrary deletion of names from electoral rolls in West Bengal.
