Bhubaneswar: The International Santhal Conclave sparked a controversy after a last-minute venue change and alleged protocol lapses during President Droupadi Murmu’s attendance as chief guest.
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi weighed in late on Saturday, voicing deep anguish over the developments. In a statement shared on social media platform X, Majhi described the venue denial and shift as going beyond mere “logistical issues,” arguing they conveyed a troubling lack of sensitivity toward India’s tribal communities.
“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.
“The denial of permission for the International Santhal Conclave and the abrupt shifting of venues cannot be dismissed as mere ‘logistical issues.’ Such actions raise serious concerns and convey an unfortunate message when an event, where the President herself was to grace the occasion as the Chief Guest, is subjected to such disruption,” Majhi wrote
The CM emphasised that the conclave was intended to celebrate the rich heritage and identity of the Santhal people and deserved dignity and respect. He highlighted President Murmu’s rise from humble roots in Odisha’s Rairangpur to the highest constitutional office as a source of pride for millions, particularly tribals, and condemned actions that he said undermined the sanctity of the President’s office and the Constitution itself.
“Smt. Droupadi Murmu Ji, the daughter of our soil who rose from Rairangpur to Rashtrapati Bhavan, represents the aspirations and pride of millions. As a member of the Santhal community, this hurtful action of the TMC Government of West Bengal, has also created a deeper sense of anguish and hurt within me and the entire Odia populace. The Office of the President is the highest constitutional office of our Republic. It stands above political differences and represents the dignity of the Constitution itself. Any action that undermines the sanctity of that office diminishes the respect owed to our constitutional framework.”
Majhi called for events honouring tribal heritage to be encouraged rather than obstructed, rejecting narrow political considerations in a vibrant democracy.
The 9th International Santal Conference organised by the International Santal Council, was originally planned for Bidhannagar in Phansidewa block. However, West Bengal state authorities shifted it to a smaller venue in Gossainpur near Bagdogra on the outskirts of Siliguri, citing concerns over congestion, security, and logistical issues.
President Murmu publicly expressed disappointment during her address, noting that the new site limited accessibility and prevented many Santhal participants from attending. She described feeling “very sad” about the change, questioned why permission was denied for the original larger venue, and highlighted the absence of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee or any state ministers to receive her, which she said deviated from established protocol for presidential visits.
Only Siliguri Mayor Gautam Deb had arrived at the airport to welcome the President.
