Bengal minister Akhil Giri faces backlash for comment on Murmu, apologises
After a video of his comments went viral, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) minister apologised on Friday. While the BJP demanded his arrest and removal from his post besides a public apology from Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, the TMC distanced itself from his comments.
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TMC Minister Akhil Giri addresses a rally in Nandigram on Thursday. (Photo: Twitter/@AkhilGiriAITC)West Bengal minister Akhil Giri has come under severe criticism over his controversial remarks on President Droupadi Murmu.
After a video of his comments went viral, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) minister apologised on Friday. While the BJP demanded his arrest and removal from his post besides a public apology from Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, the TMC distanced itself from his comments.
In the video, the Minister for Correctional Administration, who was addressing people in Nandigram on Thursday, is seen saying: “He (Suvendu Adhikari) said that I am not good-looking. How beautiful is he? We don’t judge anyone by their appearance. We respect the office of the President (of India). But how does our President look?”
Union Tribal Affairs Minister Arjun Munda said: “He (Giri) has hurt the sentiments of over 10 crore tribals and dented the country’s democratic values.”
BJP MP Saumitra Khan also wrote to the National Commission for Women, requesting them to “immediately arrest” Giri and take appropriate action against him. He also asked them to “try to dismiss him from the MLA’s post”.
Offering an apology, Giri said: “I have taken oath as a minister. I respect both the Constitution and the President. I was referring to comments by BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari, who kept attacking me over my looks. However, I apologise for my statements and would like to reiterate that I have immense respect for President Droupadi Murmu.” The minister continued: “I mentioned the post and made a comparison to respond to Adhikari. I didn’t take any name. He had said I look bad. I am a minister and I took oath of office. If something is said against me, it is an insult to the Constitution.”
The TMC, however, condemned his remarks. “We have the utmost respect for Hon’ble President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu. Our party strongly condemns the unfortunate remarks made by MLA @AkhilGiriAITC and clarifies that we do not condone such statements. In the era of women’s empowerment, such misogyny is unacceptable,” the party said in an official statement.
Meanwhile, BJP workers lodged a complaint against Giri at the Nandigram police station and state BJP MLAs sought an urgent appointment with Governor La Ganesan to demand Giri’s removal, saying he has lost moral authority to continue as a minster.
Giri’s remarks also triggered protests in Odisha, where BJP workers lodged an FIR against him for his derogatory remarks against the “daughter of Odisha”. Calling Giri’s comments an insult to the swabhiman (self-esteem) of Odisha, BJP national spokesperson Sambit Patra, who led a protest at Nayagarh town under Puri parliamentary constituency, said the remarks were not just against the President, but an insult to women and tribals.
With inputs from Sujit Bisoyi in Bhubaneswar
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