TMC govt of ‘insulting’ President Murmu, accuses PM Modi

Accusing the West Bengal government of insulting President Droupadi Murmu during her visit to the state, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said it was “shameful and unprecedented” and the TMC dispensation has “truly crossed all limits”. The prime minister was reacting after President Murmu expressed her displeasure over the change of venue of the Santal conference, which she attended in the state, and the absence of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and her ministers during her visit. PM Modi said that the office of the President is above politics and its sanctity should always be respected. He expressed the hope that better sense will prevail among the West Bengal government and the ruling TMC. Modi said it is equally unfortunate that a subject as important as Santal culture is treated so casually by the West Bengal government.
Reacting sharply to Murmu’s comments, Chief Minister Banerjee alleged that the BJP was using the President’s office to malign the state government. “BJP has stooped so low that they are using President Droupadi Murmu to malign the state,” the CM said at a protest site in Kolkata. Murmu was invited to the annual programme, originally scheduled at Bidhannagar in Siliguri. However, citing security and other logistical reasons, authorities shifted the venue to Goshaipur near Bagdogra airport.
She also talked about Murmu's visit coincident with the election fever in the state. "If you come once a year, I can welcome you. But, if you come repeatedly during election time, how is it possible for me to attend everything? Are we supposed to keep following you all the time? Should we roam around with a spool like someone flying a kite? Kites are flown during Vishwakarma Puja, once a year," the Trinamool boss further said.