Majhi urges Mamata to regret alleged slight to President Murmu

Bhubaneswar, Mar 11: Mohan Charan Majhi, the Chief Minister of Odisha, has urged his West Bengal counterpart Mamata Banerjee to express regret to Droupadi Murmu over an alleged incident involving the President during her recent visit to the state.

In an official letter addressed to Banerjee, Majhi said conveying regret would help reaffirm the country’s collective commitment to democratic values and the dignity of constitutional offices.

He emphasised that India’s democratic traditions are built on mutual respect and dignity, where differences of opinion should not lead to differences of heart.

The Chief Minister expressed deep concern over the manner in which the President, who is also a respected tribal woman, was reportedly treated during her visit to West Bengal. According to Majhi, the episode has caused considerable distress to people across the country.

He also noted that the incident occurred just ahead of International Women’s Day, making it particularly disturbing.

Majhi pointed out that the absence of basic courtesies during the President’s visit, including reported changes in arrangements related to an event involving members of the tribal community, was widely perceived as unfortunate and inconsistent with constitutional values.

The Chief Minister said the episode has hurt the sentiments of millions of Adivasis, backward classes and Dalits across the country, while also casting an avoidable shadow on the image of West Bengal — a state long known for its culture, civility and respect for democratic institutions.

Highlighting the importance of the Santhal community, Majhi said it is one of the largest tribal groups in the country and contributes significantly to India’s development. He added that, as a member of the Santhal community himself, he felt personally distressed by the incident.

Concluding his letter, Majhi urged Banerjee to reflect on the matter and convey her regrets to President Murmu and to the people of the country.