In a sharp and strongly worded reaction, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Saturday condemned the West Bengal government led by Trinamool Congress (TMC) for what he described as a disrespectful act toward tribal heritage and the dignity of the highest constitutional office.
The controversy erupted during President Droupadi Murmu’s visit to Siliguri to grace the **9th International Santhal Conclave** as chief guest. Reports indicate that the West Bengal administration denied permission for the originally planned venue in Bidhannagar — an area with a significant Santhal population — citing logistical or congestion reasons. The event was abruptly shifted to a smaller, less suitable location in Goshaipur (near Bagdogra Airport / Gossaipur in Phansidewa block).
President Murmu, herself a proud member of the Santhal community and a native of Rairangpur in Odisha, publicly expressed displeasure over the protocol lapses, inadequate preparations, absence of senior state representatives at her arrival, and the venue change. In rare and measured remarks, she stressed that she held no personal grudges against West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, whom she affectionately called her “sister,” but made it clear the developments had hurt tribal sentiments and raised questions about respect for constitutional institutions.
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), CM Majhi stated that the denial and abrupt venue shift “cannot be dismissed as mere logistical issues.” He described the episode as conveying an “unfortunate message” and showing a “troubling lack of sensitivity toward our tribal brothers and sisters.” Highlighting President Murmu’s journey “from Rairangpur to Rashtrapati Bhavan,” Majhi underlined that the actions had caused deep anguish among the people of Odisha and the wider tribal community across India.
“The Office of the President is the highest constitutional office of our Republic. It stands above political differences,” Majhi wrote, adding that “narrow political considerations have no place” in matters involving constitutional dignity and celebrations of tribal heritage.
The recent developments in Siliguri during the visit of our Hon’ble President, Smt. Droupadi Murmu Ji, have deeply saddened the people of Odisha and the entire tribal community across India.
The denial of permission for the International Santhal Conclave and the abrupt shifting…
— Mohan Charan Majhi (@MohanMOdisha) March 7, 2026
The Odisha Chief Minister’s statement echoes criticism from other quarters, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who reportedly termed the developments “shameful and unprecedented” and accused the TMC government of crossing all limits. Senior BJP leaders have described the episode as symptomatic of a broader “constitutional collapse” in West Bengal.
As political temperatures rise over the episode, the incident has reignited debates about centre-state protocol, respect for constitutional offices, and the treatment of tribal cultural events in politically sensitive regions.
Neither the West Bengal government nor Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had issued an official response to CM Majhi’s statement or President Murmu’s remarks at the time of filing this report.
