Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has conveyed his strong disapproval of the treatment President Droupadi Murmu received during her recent visit to West Bengal. In a letter to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Majhi criticized the incident as being against constitutional values and disturbing. He highlighted the importance of mutual respect and dignity in India’s democratic traditions, emphasizing that differences of opinion should not lead to differences of heart.
Majhi expressed deep concern over the lack of basic courtesies shown to President Murmu, especially during an event involving tribal community members. He pointed out that the incident, occurring just before International Women’s Day, had deeply affected the sentiments of Adivasis, backward classes, and Dalits nationwide. As a member of the Santhal community himself, Majhi stressed that the incident not only hurt the sentiments of millions across the country but also tarnished the image of West Bengal known for its culture, civility, and respect for democratic institutions.
The Chief Minister urged Mamata Banerjee to reflect on the matter and extend a gesture of regret to the President and the people of India. He believed that such a gesture would reinforce the shared commitment to democratic norms and the dignity of constitutional offices. President Murmu’s visit to the International Santal Conference in Siliguri, West Bengal, on March 7 had sparked political tensions due to alleged protocol breaches and her observations on the event management.
