TNI Bureau: In a sharp and strongly worded intervention, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has formally condemned the West Bengal government for what he termed a “troubling lack of sensitivity” and a “grave breach of constitutional dignity” during President Droupadi Murmu’s recent visit to Siliguri. The Odisha CM also asked his Bengal counterpart to express regret over the incident.

In a letter to West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee, Mohan Majhi, himself a prominent leader from the Santhal community, asserted that the administration’s conduct transcended political friction, striking at the heart of tribal identity and the sanctity of India’s highest office.

The controversy centers on the 9th International Santhal Conference held in Darjeeling district.

According to reports, the West Bengal administration abruptly shifted the event’s venue from the planned site in Bidhannagar to Gossainpur, citing logistical constraints and congestion. This move, which President Murmu publicly criticized as an attempt to distance her from the people, was described by Majhi as a calculated obstruction. “The denial of permission for the original venue cannot be dismissed as a mere logistical issue; it conveys an unfortunate message to the entire tribal community across India,” Majhi wrote, noting that the incident has caused “deep anguish” in Odisha, the President’s home state.

Beyond the venue shift, the letter highlights significant protocol lapses, including the absence of a “Minister-in-Waiting” or senior state representatives to receive the President. Majhi underscored that the Office of the President stands above narrow political considerations and represents the dignity of the Republic itself. He further pointed out the irony of the situation, noting that such a perceived snub occurred on the eve of International Women’s Day, directed toward a leader who rose “from Rairangpur to Rashtrapati Bhavan” as a symbol of national aspiration.

While the West Bengal government has defended its actions, claiming that the Chief Minister was not part of the approved “line-up” shared by the President’s Secretariat and questioning the organizers’ preparedness, Majhi’s letter demands a formal reflection.

He urged Banerjee to set aside political differences and convey regret to the President, arguing that events celebrating tribal heritage should be “encouraged, not obstructed.”

This cross-border diplomatic row marks a rare moment of direct confrontation between two neighboring Chief Ministers, as the Union Home Ministry continues to seek a detailed report on the alleged “Blue Book” violations during the visit.