Chhattisgarh CM Sai writes to Mamata over ‘insult’ to President Murmu, seeks apology

RAIPUR: Chhattisgarh chief minister Vishnu Deo Sai has written to West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee, strongly objecting to what he described as the “insult” and discourtesy shown to President Droupadi Murmu during her recent visit to the state.In the letter, Sai said the manner in which the country’s first tribal woman President was treated amounted not merely to disrespect towards an individual, but to an affront to the highest constitutional office, the tribal community, and womanhood itself. Stressing that India’s democratic culture has always valued decorum and institutional respect, Sai wrote that political differences should never override basic courtesy towards constitutional authorities. CM said the episode had hurt the sentiments of tribals, Dalits, backward communities and women across the country.Sai further referred to the Sandeshkhali episode, saying alleged atrocities against tribal women there had already shaken the country and that any disrespect or mistreatment of marginalised communities was unacceptable.Urging Banerjee to acknowledge the lapse, Sai said an apology to the nation and society was warranted, and emphasised that respect for constitutional institutions must remain above politics.