Bhubaneswar: CM Mohan Charan Majhi on Saturday strongly condemned the developments in Siliguri, where permission was reportedly denied for the International Santal Conclave that President Droupadi Murmu was scheduled to attend.In a sharply worded post on X, the chief minister said that the actions of the West Bengal govt deeply saddened not just the people of Odisha but entire tribal community across India.Majhi said the denial of permission and the abrupt shifting of venues could not be dismissed as routine administrative bottlenecks. “Such actions raise serious concerns and convey an unfortunate message when an event, where the Hon’ble President herself was to grace the occasion as the Chief Guest, is subjected to such disruptions,” he wrote.Calling the episode hurtful and insensitive, Majhi said that anything that diminishes the significance of a tribal cultural gathering reflects a troubling lack of sensitivity towards the Santal community.“As a member of the Santal community, this hurtful action of the TMC govt of West Bengal also created a deeper sense of anguish and hurt within me, and the entire Odia populace,” he added.Majhi emphasised that the office of the president stands above political divides and represents the dignity of the constitution. “Any action that undermines the sanctity of that office diminishes the respect owed to our constitutional framework,” he said.The controversy began after organisers of the International Santal Conclave in Siliguri claimed they were denied last-minute permission to hold the programme at the original venue. They alleged the local administration cited logistical issues.Majhi said such justifications do not hold. “In a vibrant democracy like ours, narrow political considerations have no place. Events celebrating the heritage of our tribal communities should be encouraged, not obstructed,” he said.
