TMC min faces flak for remark on Prez
BHUBANESWAR: Leaders across party lines came down heavily against TMC minister Akhil Giri on Saturday for his alleged derogatory comments against President Droupadi Murmu, including TMC, which disowned his comments. At least five FIRS were filed in Odisha against Giri, who reportedly made derogatory remarks against the President on Friday. “...We don’t judge anyone by their appearance, we respect the office of the President of India. But how does our President look?” Giri had said.
BHUBANESWAR: Leaders cutting across party lines on Saturday came criticised West Bengal minister Akhil Giri for his “derogatory” comments against President Droupadi Murmu, with political parties in her home state of Odisha demanding strict action against the Trinamool Congress leader.
At least five FIRS were filed in Odisha against Giri, who reportedly made derogatory remarks against the President on Friday while talking about Bengal’s opposition leader Suvendu Adhikari. “...We don’t judge anyone by their appearance, we respect the office of the President of India. But how does our President look?” Giri had said.
A video of his comments was widely circulated on social media, sparking reactions from various political parties, including his own TMC, which distanced itself from the controversial remarks made by Bengal’s minister for correctional homes. “TMC disowns his comment against the President of India,” Rajya Sabha MP Santanu Sen said. “TMC possesses a high regard for the Constitution and the President. (Party chief) Mamata Banerjee is a symbol of women’s empowerment, so there is no question of supporting such a comment.”
HT cannot independently verify the veracity of the video.
Later, Giri apologised for his comments, saying he regretted “making such a remark resulting from an outburst of anger following continuous attacks aimed at him”.
Taking to Twitter, Union education minister and senior BJP leader Dharmendra Pradhan, who hails from Odisha, hit out at Banerjee. “If a member of your party insults the first citizen of the country and a woman while continuing to be in your cabinet, then you should resign as chief minister,” he tweeted.
Union tribal affairs minister Arjun Munda also came down heavily on the West Bengal government. “The minister’s remarks are strongly condemnable. This clearly reflects how the West Bengal government has hurt the sentiments of people of tribal community...” he said.
Odisha’s ruling Biju Janata Dal also lashed out. “It is highly unfortunate that someone comments on the country’s first citizen, and that too, over her looks,” said BJD Rajya Sabha MP Munna Khan.
Congress legislator Suresh Routray said: “We will not allow Giri to enter Odisha for making such a remark... He should also be arrested,” he said.
BJP legislator Kusum Tete, herself a tribal woman and a complainant against Giri, said: “The Bengal chief minister is also a woman. How does she tolerate such persons in her council of ministers?”