President Murmu claims she has no ill will against “sister” Mamata and points out procedure violations during her visit to Bengal.

Droupadi Murmu complained on Saturday that she was supposed to be the chief guest at an International Adivasi Conclave in North Bengal, but the West Bengal administration allegedly refused to grant permission. Speaking during her visit to Siliguri, the President emphasized that she had no resentment toward West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, whom she called her “sister,” while also pointing out protocol and preparation flaws. 

Earlier in the day, Murmu traveled to Siliguri to speak at the 9th International Santhal Conference. The President is traditionally welcomed upon arrival by the chief minister of the state and senior members of the council of ministers. The Darjeeling Chronicle stated that the chief minister and other top ministers were not present to welcome her.

Concerns regarding the event’s planning were raised when the President mentioned during her speech that people were being barred from entering the conference location. Later, Murmu visited Bidhannagar in the Phansidewa region, which has a sizable Adivasi population. There, she spoke with locals.Speaking to the crowd, she emphasized the social harmony in the area, stating that Bengalis, Adivasis, Gorkhas, and Rajbangshis had all coexisted happily. 

Murmu emphasized that she had no animosity toward the chief minister or the state administration, even though she was unhappy with several parts of the visit.