‘Nari Shakti will not forgive’: PM Modi slams TMC, accuses Mamata govt of ‘insulting’ President Murmu

March 8, 2026

West Bengal: Narendra Modi on Sunday criticised the All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) government in West Bengal for what he called an “insult” to Droupadi Murmu during her recent visit to the state.

Speaking at a Women’s Day event, the Prime Minister said the treatment given to the President hurt the dignity of the country’s highest constitutional office.

He said the nation and “Nari Shakti” (women power) would not forgive the disrespect shown to President Murmu.

Dispute After President Raises Concerns

The controversy began after President Murmu expressed disappointment about the arrangements during her visit to West Bengal on Saturday.

She described the situation as “shameful and unprecedented.”

The issue arose after the venue of the 9th International Santhali Conclave was changed at the last moment. The event was originally planned in Bidhannagar, but was later shifted to a smaller venue in Goshaipur near Bagdogra Airport because of congestion, according to officials.

Murmu said she was sad that many people could not attend the event because the venue was too far away.

President Questions Absence of Mamata Banerjee

While speaking at a gathering in Phansidewa near Siliguri, President Murmu also noted that Mamata Banerjee was not present at the event.

She said that usually when the President visits a state, the Chief Minister and other ministers attend the programme.

Murmu also said she considers Banerjee like a “younger sister”, and wondered if the Chief Minister was upset with her.

She added that she is also a daughter of Bengal, and said she felt hurt by the situation.

Mamata Banerjee Responds

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee rejected the criticism and accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of using the issue for political purposes.

She said the BJP was trying to defame West Bengal ahead of the state assembly elections, which are expected in about two months.

Banerjee also explained that she could not attend the event due to her busy schedule during the election period.

She shared documents on Facebook saying that the change in venue was made for security and logistical reasons, and that the information had already been sent to the President’s office.