TMC Distances Itself From Minister Akhil Giri's Comment On President Droupadi Murmu

The Trinamool Congress has distanced itself from the comment made by its leader Akhil Giri on President Droupadi Murmu.

West Bengal CM and Trinamool Congress leader Mamata Banerjee

Source : Getty

New Delhi: The Trinamool Congress has distanced itself from the comment made by Minister Akhil Giri on President Droupadi Murmu saying that there is no question of supporting such a comment. 

TMC MP Santanu Sen told news agency ANI, "TMC disowns this comment. TMC possesses a high vigour for the Constitution of India and the President. Mamata Banerjee is a symbol of women's empowerment, so the question of supporting such a comment doesn't arise. The minister realized his blunder and apologized on social media." 

TMC minister Akhil Giri was under fire over his comments on the appearance of President Droupadi Murmu. Soon after, he apologised and said he regretted what he said. Meanwhile, the BJP has launched a scathing attack on the TMC saying such comments reflect what the Mamata Banerjee-led party thinks about tribals.

Union Minister of Tribal Affairs, Arjun Munda said, "Hate comment on President Droupadi Murmu is strongly condemnable. West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee should immediately dismiss such a leader from her cabinet and apologise in front of the nation for such comments. She should make a clarification."

After his comment on President Droupadi Murmu sparked outrage, and a demand for arrest from the BJP, TMC Minister Akhil Giri apologised saying, 'If the President of India feels insulted, I am sorry and regret what I said." He said, "I said 'President', I didn’t take anyone’s name. If the President of India feels insulted, I am sorry and regret what I said." 

However, he also said, "I respect the President. I mentioned the post and made a comparison to respond to Suvendu Adhikari. I didn't take any names. He had said Akhil Giri looks bad in his appearance. I'm a minister, who took an oath to office. If something is said against me, it's an insult to the Constitution." 

In a video that went viral, the Minister for Correctional Administration, while addressing people in Nandigram on Thursday, was heard saying, "We don't judge anyone by their appearance, we respect the office of the President (of India). But how does our President look?".