RAJ KUMAR
Ranchi, Nov 14: The last-moment cancellation of President Droupadi Murmu’s programme to participate in a state-sponsored statehood function at Morabadi ground left the ruling alliance of the state unhappy.
Though JMM senior leader Supriyo Bhattacharya and spokesperson Tanuj Khatri remained tight-lipped when contacted for their comments on the matter, executive president of Congress Bandhu Tirkey could not control his emotion.
Tirkey expressed his concern over the cancellation of the programme and held the BJP responsible for the same. “Aati to Accha Hota. Mujhe Dukh Hai Ki Rashtrapati Jaise Pad Ka bhi Rajnaitik Durpupyog ho raha hai (It would have been good if she had planned to come. I am sad that even a position like President is being misused for politics),” Tirkey said without talking much in the matter.
When contacted BJP president Deepak Prakash for his comment, he said: “One should not think otherwise as the programme of the President is decided by the President House. Instead of being unhappy due to last-minute cancellation, one should be happy that a president is coming to Ulihatu, the birthplace of tribal icon Birsa Munda on the birth anniversary and state foundation day. This is the first time a president is coming to the place of Birsa Munda.”
BJP spokesperson Pratul Nath Shahdeo echoed the same sentiment saying one should not belittle the position of the President by politicising the issue of the cancellation of her programme.
Murmu was expected to reach Ranchi on November 14. From Ranchi, apart from participating in the main function of the state, she was also expected to visit Deoghar to offer prayers to Lord Shiva at Babadham Temple on November 15.
But yesterday evening, her programme was cancelled. Now, she will come to Ranchi tomorrow morning and leave after visiting Ulihatu in Khunti.
