‘Cannot be dismissed as logistical issues’: Odisha CM expresses anguish over shifting of tribal meet venue in Bengal

Expressing anguish, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi late Saturday (March 7, 2026) said the alleged denial of permission of venue for the International Santhal Conclave in Darjeeling, which President Droupadi Murmu was scheduled to grace, “cannot be dismissed as mere logistical issues”.

He said the Office of the President stands above political differences and embodies the dignity of the Constitution. “The recent developments in Siliguri during the visit of our President Murmu Ji, have deeply saddened the people of Odisha and the entire tribal community across India,” Mr. Majhi wrote in a post on X.

“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 disruptions,” he said.

Stating that matter goes far beyond political considerations, Odisha CM said that “an occasion meant to celebrate the rich heritage and identity of the Santhal community should have been treated with the dignity and respect it deserves.”

“Any act that diminishes the significance of such a gathering reflects a troubling lack of sensitivity toward our tribal brothers and sisters,” Mr. Majhi rued.

“Ms. 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 Odisha CM said.

“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,” he pointed out.

Mr. Majhi further said: “In a vibrant democracy like ours, such narrow political considerations have no place. Our institutions and the leaders who represent them must always be accorded the utmost respect, and events celebrating the heritage of our tribal communities should be encouraged, not obstructed.”

It is to be noted that President herself went public with her displeasure over the change of venue for International Santhal Conclave and absence of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who, she said, should have been present as per protocol.

After attending the conference at Gossainpur, President Murmu travelled about 30 kilometres to Bidhannagar and expressed her anguish over the change of venue and absence of Ministers of the State government to receive her.