‘Arrogance will be shattered’: PM Modi warns Mamata Banerjee over remarks on President Murmu

Addressing a gathering on the occasion of International Women's Day, the Prime Minister described Banerjee’s comments as a “grave insult” to the President, who had earlier expressed displeasure over the Chief Minister boycotting a ‘Santhal’ event in North Bengal last week.

“Droupadi Murmu ji had gone to Bengal to participate in a major festival of the Santhal tribal tradition, but the TMC boycotted that sacred and important programme of the President and the tribal community. The TMC government handed over that programme to chaos and disorder. This is not only an insult to the President but also an insult to the country’s Constitution and the great tradition of democracy,” Modi said.

“No matter how powerful a person is, arrogance leads to destruction. TMC’s dirty politics and arrogance of power will be shattered for insulting an Adivasi President. The people of Bengal and India will never forgive them for insulting a woman, an Adivasi and the President of the country,” he added.

President Murmu, who attended the International Santhal Conclave last Saturday, had expressed displeasure over the uncertainty surrounding her scheduled events in the state.

Calling the Chief Minister her “sister”, Murmu wondered why Banerjee had boycotted the programme.

“Mamata didi is like my sister, younger sister. Maybe she is angry with me. But I have no complaints. I wish her well,” the President had said.

In response, Banerjee launched a sharp attack on the President, accusing her of acting on instructions from the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

Claiming she was unaware of the event, Banerjee said, “I am sorry, madam. I have great regard for you, but you are guided by the BJP’s policies and instructions. The state government was not a party to the event. We had no clue.”

The Chief Minister added that it was not possible for her to attend every presidential visit.

“I will receive you if you visit once a year. But is it possible for us to follow you on all your frequent visits? Do we have so much time in hand? I am at a dharna over SIR—how will I go? While your priority is the BJP, mine is the people,” she said in her trademark aggressive style.