- By Shubham Bajpai
- Sat, 07 Mar 2026 09:32 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee on Saturday accused President Droupadi Murmu of speaking on advice of the BJP, while questioning her 'silence' on 'atrocities' against tribals in other states like Manipur and Chhattisgarh.
"It's unfortunate that politics is being played by using the Hon'ble President on the advice of the BJP, and by alleging that no work has been done for tribals," Banerjee said.
"I feel ashamed to even say this. We respect the Hon'ble President. But, she too, has been sent to sell politics. I am sorry, madam. I have great regard for you, but you are being guided by BJP policies and BJP instructions," she said, addressing a gathering in Kolkata.
CM Mamata's sharp response came hours after the President Murmu, during Santhal conference in Darjeeling, raised concerns over slow pace of development in the tribal region and wondered whether CM Mamata was "upset" as neither she nor any state minister was present to receive her.
The President's remarks drew reaction from PM Narendra Modi, who slammed CM Mamata, saying, "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".
In her reply to President Murmu, CM Mamata rejected the claim that none from state administration was present at the event. "It is wrong information that there was no one from the state to attend your programme," Banerjee said.
On her absence at the event, CM Mamata sharply reacted, "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?"
"Are we supposed to keep following you all the time? Should we roam around with a spool like someone flying a kite? Kites are flown during Vishwakarma Puja, once a year," the TMC supremo said.
Responding to Murmu's observation that the tribal community's annual programme had been shifted from Bidhannagar to Goshaipur, she said, "We did not even know about it. I don't know who organised it, who attended it or who funded it," she claimed.
CM Mamata went on to question the President on her silence on alleged atrocities against tribals in other states. The CM said, "When tribals were facing atrocities in Manipur, why were you (President Murmu) silent? When atrocities occur against tribals in Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh or Chhattisgarh, why do you not protest?" she asked.
"I am sitting on a dharna for the people over the SIR issue. What should be my priority? You may be the BJP's priority, but the public is my priority," she said.