TMC’s min faces flak for remark on Prez, party distances from statement

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.

Akhil Giri