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West Bengal Minister Akhil Giri’s comments on President Murmu draws criticism

West Bengal Minister of State for Correctional Home Administration Akhil Giri came under severe criticism for making a controversial remark on President Droupadi Murmu.

In a video clip that had gone viral on social media, the Minister and Trinamool Congress MLA from Ramnagar was heard commenting on the looks of President Murmu. The remark was made at a public meeting at Nandigram on Friday evening.

“They (BJP) said that I am not good-looking. We don’t judge anyone by their appearance. We respect the office of the President (of India). But how does our President look?” the Minister was heard saying. On Saturday, Giri apologised for the remarks.

“If someone thinks I have disrespected the President, then it is wrong. I apologise for making such a remark. I have immense respect for the President of our country,” he said. He also said that his remarks were in response to what BJP leaders including Suvendu Adhikari were saying while verbally attacking him.

Giri had made similar remarks against the President in the past. A video of the Trinamool leader making similar comments in the last week of October also surfaced later in the day.

Union Tribal Affairs Minister Arjun Munda demanded that West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee tender a public apology for her Minister’s comments, and also clarify that at whose behest he made such “unfortunate” and “indecent” remarks.

The remarks created outrage in political and social circles. A police complaint was lodged by BJP supporters at Nandigram Police station. BJP supporters hit the streets in Kolkata demanding action against the Minister. A protest rally was brought out from State BJP headquarters in Central Avenue. Reacting to the remarks, the State unit of BJP alleged that Ms. Banerjee and the Trinamool were anti-tribal.

Reacting to the development, the Trinamool Congress condemned the 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.