Raipur, March 11, 2026: Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai has written a strongly worded letter to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressing deep concern and objection over the recent treatment of President Droupadi Murmu during her visit to West Bengal.
In the letter, Sai stated that the manner in which the country’s first woman President from the tribal community was treated does not merely amount to disrespect toward an individual, but constitutes an affront to the nation’s highest constitutional institution. He emphasised that the episode has hurt the sentiments of the tribal community as well as the collective dignity of women across the country.
Sai noted that India’s democratic traditions and political culture have long been admired globally for their emphasis on dialogue, decorum and mutual respect despite ideological differences. However, he observed that even the minimum courtesies expected toward the office of the President were not maintained during the visit, which he described as inconsistent with democratic values and constitutional propriety.
The Chief Minister further remarked that the incident was particularly unfortunate as it occurred just ahead of International Women’s Day. He said negligence in arrangements and conduct during the visit of a woman President belonging to a tribal background was deeply condemnable and regrettable. According to him, the developments have caused widespread anguish among crores of tribals, backward communities, Dalits and women across the country.
In his communication, Sai also pointed out that such a situation appears unprecedented, as the President herself had to publicly express anguish over the conduct of a state government. He described this as a matter of serious concern in the democratic history of India and said it has also cast a shadow on the image of a respected state like West Bengal.
Referring to earlier developments in Sandeshkhali, Sai said the incidents there, especially those concerning women from deprived and tribal communities, had already shaken the conscience of the nation. He asserted that any form of insensitive treatment toward marginalised sections of society cannot be accepted under any circumstances.
Sai urged Mamata Banerjee to acknowledge the lapse and issue an apology to the nation and society. He also called upon the West Bengal government to assure the country that due respect would be maintained toward democratic institutions and constitutional offices in the future.
Emphasising the constitutional framework of India, Sai stated that the President symbolises the highest authority of the Republic, and the dignity of democracy itself is closely linked with the respect accorded to that office. He underlined that constitutional posts must be upheld above political differences.
He concluded by stating that the issue concerns the dignity of a President who represents the tribal community and therefore relates to the pride and self-respect of the entire nation. Keeping in view the sentiments of the country and society, he said, responsible and appropriate steps must be taken in the matter.
