President Droupadi Murmu attended the 9th International Santhal Conference in Siliguri, North Bengal, on Saturday. During the event, she addressed the absence of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and other state ministers, which is a departure from established constitutional protocol. " The remarks came amidst concerns over the logistical arrangements and the shifting of the venue, which reportedly affected the attendance of the tribal community.
Venue Controversy and Attendance Issues
According to official reports, the International Santhal Conference was originally scheduled to take place at the expansive Bidhannagar Ground in Siliguri. However, the venue was later moved to Gonsaipur near Bagdogra Airport. President Murmu expressed surprise at this decision, noting that the smaller venue Notably limited the number of participants. She questioned the motives behind the move, asking who was attempting to prevent the Santhal community from uniting and pursuing education. The President highlighted her personal connection to the region, stating she belongs to an area close to Bengal.
Protocol Breach and Absence of State Leadership
As per constitutional protocol, the Chief Minister or a representative from the state cabinet is expected to receive and accompany the President during official visits to the state. In this instance, neither CM Mamata Banerjee nor any state minister was present at the conference. President Murmu pointed out that while the Governor might have had constraints, the Chief Minister or a minister should have attended the event. She expressed her dissatisfaction with the administrative handling of the visit, emphasizing that such occasions require formal representation from the state government.
President Remarks on CM Mamata Banerjee
Addressing the absence of the Chief Minister, President Murmu delivered a direct yet measured message. She stated, "It seems she might be angry with me for some reason. " This statement is being viewed in the context of the ongoing administrative friction between the state and the center. The President's remarks underscored the necessity of maintaining constitutional decorum regardless of political differences, particularly during events focused on the empowerment of tribal communities.
Concerns Regarding the Santhal Community Unity
During her address, the President focused on the progress and unity of the Santhal people. She stressed the importance of education and collective growth for the community. By questioning the choice of a smaller venue, she suggested that a larger gathering would have been more beneficial for the international conference. She reiterated that the Santhal community deserves adequate space and support to showcase their heritage and discuss their future, which was hindered by the logistical changes made by the local administration.
Comparison of Venue Capacities
Following the conference, President Murmu visited the Bidhannagar Ground for another scheduled engagement, while upon seeing the vast area of the ground, she expressed astonishment at why it wasn't utilized for the Santhal Conference. She remarked that the Bidhannagar Ground has the capacity to accommodate nearly 5 lakh people. The President questioned the logic of choosing a restricted space at Gonsaipur when a much larger facility was available nearby. She concluded that the lack of proper planning prevented a larger section of the community from participating in the international event.