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Story summary
- Indian President Droupadi Murmu sparked a dispute with West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee ahead of state elections with remarks at the International Santal Conference suggesting someone blocked Santal attendance.
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi backed Murmu and accused the Trinamool Congress of disrespecting the presidency.
- Mamata Banerjee said the issue was the International Santal Council's fault, not her administration.
- The tensions show rising stakes as West Bengal elections near.
