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News Desk: Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi on Sunday intensified his criticism of West Bengal’s ruling All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) following the controversy surrounding remarks by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee about President Droupadi Murmu. The Prime Minister warned that the party’s “arrogance of power” would ultimately be defeated.

Addressing a gathering on the occasion of International Women’s Day, Modi described the remarks and the alleged boycott of a Santhal tribal cultural programme attended by the President as deeply disrespectful. He said the incident not only insulted the country’s first tribal woman President but also undermined constitutional values and democratic traditions.

Highlighting the issue, Modi said President Murmu had travelled to West Bengal to take part in a significant festival celebrating the heritage and traditions of the Santhal community. According to him, the TMC government chose to stay away from the programme, which he claimed resulted in confusion and disorder at an event meant to honour tribal culture.

“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.

The political dispute erupted after President Murmu attended the International Santhal Conclave in North Bengal last week. During the event, she expressed concern over the confusion surrounding some of her scheduled engagements in the state and questioned why Chief Minister Banerjee had not attended 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 said.

Reacting to the President’s remarks, Banerjee responded sharply, stating that the state government had not been informed about the event in advance. While offering an apology to the President, she alleged that the programme was influenced by the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) at the Centre.

“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,” Banerjee said.

The Chief Minister further said it was unrealistic for her to attend every presidential visit to the state, adding that she was currently engaged in a protest related to the SIR issue and prioritising people’s concerns.

“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.

The exchange has triggered a fresh round of political confrontation between the BJP and the TMC, with both sides accusing each other of politicising the President’s visit and the Santhal community’s cultural event.

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