President Droupadi Murmu gives an addressal during the 9th International Santal Conference in Darjeeling, West Bengal. Photo: X/@rashtrapatibhvn via PTI.
President Droupadi Murmu on Saturday (March 7, 2026) expressed disappointment with the West Bengal Government for not adhering to the desired protocol to receive her at an event in State’s Darjeeling district.
The President also expressed anguish over the absence of Ministers of the State Government at the event in Darjeeling.
“If the President visits a place, the Chief Minister and the Ministers should also come. But she did not… I am also a daughter of Bengal… Mamata Didi is also my sister, my younger sister. I don’t know if she was angry with me; that’s why this happened,” Ms. Murmu said.
The State Government had also changed the venue of the International Santhal Conference, where the President was participating, citing fears of congestion.
“Had the programme been held there (at Bidhannagar), it would have been better. There is ample space there, and many people could have attended. But I do not know why the state administration did not permit the meeting there. Today’s programme is being held at such a place that it is difficult for people to come here. Perhaps the State Government does not want the welfare of tribals, and that is why they were prevented from coming here,” President Murmu said.
Initially the event was scheduled to be held at Bidhannagar under Phansidewa in the Darjeeling district but was later shifted to Gossainpur in Bagdogra on the outskirts of Siliguri in the same district.
(With PTI inputs)
Published – March 07, 2026 06:10 pm IST
