Mamata apologises for Giri’s remarks on Prez
KOLKATA: West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday apologised for her cabinet colleague Akhil Giri’s controversial remarks against President Droupadi Murmu and cautioned him against making such comments in the future.
Giri, who is the state correctional administration minister, had apologised on Saturday after a 17-second video clip of him recently commenting on the looks of the President went viral on social media. Addressing reporters at the state secretariat, Banerjee said: “We all respect the President and she is a highly respected lady. It was not right for Giri to make comments against her. We (TMC) have condemned it. The party has cautioned him. We don’t support his opinion and he has been warned against repeating such things. If it happens in the future, the party will take action.”
“I personally respect her (Murmu) very much. I believe beauty doesn’t depend on colour or appearance. It lies inside. She is a very sweet lady. I like her very much. Giri has done wrong. I condemn what the MLA has said. I am really sorry and I apologise on behalf of the party. My party has already apologised on the issue. I have great regards for the President,” she added.
Banerjee’s apology came amid demands from the BJP to remove Giri from his ministerial post. On Sunday, BJP MP Locket Chatterjee filed a police complaint in Delhi and also sought a statement from Banerjee. On Monday, a BJP delegation tried to meet governor La Ganesan with an appeal that Giri be sacked. The governor, however, wasn’t available. “If Giri is not removed from his post, BJP will stage a protest inside the assembly in the winter session,” leader of opposition Suvendu Adhikari said.
BJP’S It-cell head Amit Malviya tweeted: “Giri is a repeat offender... This time there was massive outrage. Banerjee couldn’t afford to ignore and hence the reluctant censure. Shame.”