'Sorry, Regret What I Said': TMC Minister After Outrage Over His Comment On President Murmu

TMC Minister Akhil Giri has apologised after he was criticised for his comment on President Droupadi Murmu.

TMC Minister Akhil Giri has apologised after he was criticised for his comment on President Droupadi Murmu.

After his comment on President Droupadi Murmu sparked outrage, and a demand for arrest from the BJP, TMC Minister Akhil Giri has 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?".

The incident has evoked a sharp response from the BJP. BJP MP Saumitra Khan writes to National Commission for Women (NCW), requesting them to "immediately arrest" Akhil Giri and take appropriate action against him. She also requested them to "try to dismiss him from the MLA post also" over his objectionable remark on President Droupadi Murmu.