Kumar Bahukhandi
Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai in angry mood -File Photo
- Respect for Constitutional Dignity is Essential; Nation will never tolerate Insult to Tribal Community and Women’s Strength: Chief Minister
Raipur: Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh Vishnu Deo Sai has written a strongly worded letter to West Bengal Chief Minister Ms Mamata Banerjee expressing deep objection to the recent treatment towards the Hon’ble President of India, Droupadi Murmu.
In his letter, Chief Minister Sai stated that the manner in which the country’s first woman President from the tribal community was treated amounts not merely to disrespect towards an individual, but an affront to the nation’s highest constitutional institution, the tribal community and the collective dignity of womanhood.
CM Sai wrote that India’s democratic traditions and political decorum have long been respected across the world. The nation’s culture has always encouraged differences of opinion without allowing them to turn into bitterness. However, he observed that even the minimum courtesies expected towards the office of the President, the highest constitutional authority of the country, were not observed, which runs contrary to democratic values.
The Chief Minister further remarked that it was particularly unfortunate that just ahead of International Women’s Day, negligence in arrangements and conduct during the visit of a woman President from a tribal background resulted in an incident that he described as deeply condemnable and regrettable.
He said the episode has hurt the sentiments of crores of tribals, backward communities, Dalits and women across the country.
In his letter, Sai also pointed out that this is perhaps the first instance when the President herself has had to publicly express her anguish over the conduct of a state government. He noted that such a situation is extremely concerning in the democratic history of the country and has also cast a shadow on the image of a respected state like West Bengal.
Referring to the incident in Sandeshkhali, the Chief Minister said that the developments there, particularly those concerning women from tribal communities, had earlier shaken the conscience of the entire nation. He asserted that such treatment of deprived and tribal communities cannot be accepted under any circumstances.
Vishnu Deo Sai has urged Mamata Banerjee to acknowledge the lapse and apologise to the nation and society, while assuring the country that due respect will be maintained towards democratic institutions and constitutional offices in the future.
He emphasised that in India’s democratic framework, the President symbolises the highest constitutional authority, and the dignity of democracy itself is intrinsically linked to the respect accorded to that office. He stressed that constitutional posts must be respected above all political differences.
The Chief Minister stated unequivocally 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. He added that, keeping in view the sentiments of the country and society, responsible steps must be taken in this matter.
