West Bengal minister Akhil Giri’s derogatory comments on President Draupadi Murmu have not only drawn stern criticism from all corners but also from his own party the Trinamool Congress (TMC).
Distancing itself from the Minister of State, Correctional Administration (independent charge), TMC stated, “We have the utmost respect for the Hon’ble President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu. Our party strongly condemns the unfortunate remarks made by MLA Akhil Giri and clarifies that we do not endorse such statements. In the era of women’s empowerment, such misogyny is unacceptable.”
A video of Giri giving a speech from Nandigram went viral, in which he made reference to the appearance of the President of India. “We have respect for the office of the President, but how does our President look?” Giri apparently said.
Meanwhile, the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), whose Lok Sabha MP Locket Chatterjee on Sunday filed a police complaint against Giri, demanded TMC minister’s removal from his position. It also sought time from governor La Ganesan to discuss the matter.
Shamik Bhattacharya, BJP Bengal spokesperson, told The New Indian, “A minister who has taken the oath of the constitution and making such comments on the constitutional head, is it desirable in a civil society?” TMC is not a political party; it is full of goons and lootera, and importantly, the leadership has lost control over the party.”
“It is not only vindictive and intolerant but also racist and anti-tribal. This kind of derogatory statement has already been made by the honourable Chief minister Mamata Banerjee to Prime Minister and Amit Shah,” said Bhattacharya.
While registering multiple complaints at various police stations, the BJP has demanded the immediate resignation of Giri from the party.
“This heinous act by Akhil Giri is not forgiven in any situation. The insult of a respected President is an insult to women’s empowerment, an insult to the Indian democratic system. It is an insult to 140 crore people. You can imagine where this mindset will lead our society?” BJP MP Soumitra Khan wrote to the National Commission for Women (NCW).