New Delhi: A heated political dispute has unfolded surrounding the International Santhal Conclave in West Bengal, triggered by the state government’s abrupt relocation of the event site shortly before its start. President Droupadi Murmu, slated to participate, voiced sharp discontent with the shift, which officials attributed to overcrowding at the original spot. She highlighted how the alternative location impeded attendance by Santhal community members and noted the non-appearance of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee along with other state ministers during her visit.
#WATCH | Darjeeling, West Bengal | President Droupadi Murmu says, "Today was the International Santal Conference. When I came here after attending it, I realised it would have been better if it had been held here, because the area is so vast… I don't know what went through the… pic.twitter.com/zMYyvDo0Y2
— ANI (@ANI) March 7, 2026
Upon inspecting the initial venue afterward, Murmu contested the congestion rationale, stating: “When I came here I found the field was big enough to accommodate 5 lakh people.” She described feeling profoundly saddened by the sudden alteration. In her speech to the International Santhal Council, the President, a Santhal herself, implied external efforts to stifle the community’s advancement, saying: “Someone doesn’t want Santhal to get united, to progress, to get educated…someone doesn’t want Santhal to become strong. However, I know Santhals have sacrificed their lives for the nation.” She further lamented the oversight of Santhal contributions to India’s independence, remarking: “I know how much the Santals have contributed to the country’s freedom struggle. But the names of Santal legends have not deliberately been included in history,” while advocating for enhanced education among Santhal youth.
The matter swiftly evolved into a partisan standoff between West Bengal’s ruling Trinamool Congress and the BJP-dominated central government.
TMC Accuses BJP of Weaponizing the President
Mamata Banerjee challenged Murmu’s focus on tribal welfare, questioning: “Why don’t you protest when atrocities are committed against tribals. Why don’t you protest when it happens in Madhya Pradesh or Chhattisgarh?… First do something for them, then say anything.” She urged restraint during elections, adding: “Don’t play politics at the time of the election, as per the BJP’s advice.” Banerjee charged that “BJP has stooped so low that it is using President Droupadi Murmu to malign West Bengal.”
International Santal Council, a private organisation, invited Hon’ble President to the 9th International Adivasi Santal Conference in Siliguri.
— Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) March 7, 2026
After Advanced Security Liaison, district administration flagged in writing to the President’s Secretariat that the organiser appeared…
BJP Leaders Condemn ‘Insult’ To Rashtrapati
Prime Minister Narendra Modi decried the incident as “shameful and unprecedented,” posting on X: “Everyone who believes in democracy and the empowerment of tribal communities is disheartened. The pain and anguish expressed by Rashtrapati Ji, who herself hails from a tribal community, has caused immense sadness in the minds of the people of India. The TMC Government of West Bengal has truly crossed all limits. Their administration is responsible for this insult to the President.” He stressed respect for the President’s apolitical role and hoped for improved judgment from the state.
This is shameful and unprecedented. Everyone who believes in democracy and the empowerment of tribal communities is disheartened.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 7, 2026
The pain and anguish expressed by Rashtrapati Ji, who herself hails from a tribal community, has caused immense sadness in the minds of the people… https://t.co/XGzwMCMFrT
Union Home Minister Amit Shah labeled it a descent into “new lows” via “anarchic conduct,” stating: “The Trinamool government of West Bengal has sunk to new lows today through their anarchic conduct. By showing utter disregard for protocol, they have insulted the President of India. This incident has laid bare the deep rot within the Trinamool government.” He continued: “A government that tramples on citizens’ constitutional rights at will does not hesitate to dishonour the nation’s highest constitutional office—the President. This affront to the President at an event organised by our tribal brothers and sisters is an insult to our nation and the values of our constitutional democracy. Every citizen who believes in democracy today is deeply hurt and anguished.”
The TMC Government in West Bengal today hit a new low in its anarchic behaviour by humiliating the President of India with its glaring disregard for protocol.
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) March 7, 2026
This lays bare the rot in the TMC Government which not only violates the constitutional rights of citizens at will but…
Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan remarked: “When the President is compelled to express disappointment over the arrangements made, it raises serious questions about the conduct and preparedness of the authorities responsible. The sanctity of constitutional offices must remain above politics.”
The concerns expressed by Hon’ble President Droupadi Murmu ji @rashtrapatibhvn during her visit to Darjeeling reflect a deeply unfortunate lapse in administrative sensitivity and respect for the highest constitutional office of the country. When the President herself is compelled… https://t.co/GbbIRZjPsd
— Dharmendra Pradhan (@dpradhanbjp) March 7, 2026
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, also from the Santhal community, expressed that the episode wounded tribal feelings, noting: “Such actions raise serious concerns and convey an unfortunate message when an event, where the Hon’ble President herself was to grace the occasion as the Chief Guest, is subjected to such disruptions.” He added: “As a member of the Santal community, this hurtful action of the TMC govt of West Bengal also created a deeper sense of anguish and hurt within me, and the entire Odia populace.”
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.
— Mohan Charan Majhi (@MohanMOdisha) March 7, 2026
The denial of permission for the International Santhal Conclave and the abrupt shifting…
The row has amplified into a wider electoral tussle, with mutual allegations of exploiting tribal matters and the presidency for political gain.
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