'Insult To Our State': Meghalaya CM Conrad Sangma Slams TMC’s Kirti Azad For Post On PM Modi’s Khasi Attire

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma accused Azad of disrespecting the Meghalayan culture and tribal attire.

Meghalaya CM and President of the National Peoples Party (NPP) Conrad Sangma

New Delhi: Meghalaya chief minister Conrad Sangma on Thursday reacted to the former cricketer and TMC leader Kirti Azad's comment over Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s tribal attire at a public event in Meghalaya, in which he calls it “neither male nor female."

Sangma said, "I've seen a tweet by a particular TMC leader (Kirti Azad) regarding traditional Khasi dress worn by PM Modi. He made a statement that was insulting to the people of our state & Khasi tribe. The concerned political party & the individual must apologise," reported news agency ANI.

I've seen a tweet by a particular TMC leader (Kirti Azad) regarding traditional Khasi dress worn by PM Modi. He made a statement that was insulting to the people of our state & Khasi tribe. The concerned political party & the individual must apologise: Meghalaya CM Conrad Sangma pic.twitter.com/JawgP9sI0M

— ANI (@ANI) December 22, 2022

Earlier, Azad took to Twitter and shared a collage of two pictures, one of Modi in his outfit and the other of the same shirt being worn by a female model and labeled "multi-floral embroidered dress," allegedly mocking the prime minister's "fashion" choice. "it is neither male nor female, he is only a priest of fashion," he stated.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma accused Azad of disrespecting the Meghalayan culture and tribal attire in addition to making fun of the prime minister.

“It is saddening to see how Kriti Azad is disrespecting the culture of Meghalaya and mocking our tribal attire. TMC must urgently clarify if they endorse his views. Their silence will amount to tacit support and thus will not be forgiven by the people," Biswa said.

It is saddening to see how @KirtiAzaad is disrespecting the culture of Meghalaya and mocking our tribal attire. TMC must urgently clarify if they endorse his views. Their silence will amount to tacit support and thus will not be forgiven by the people. https://t.co/XytXuytUst

— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) December 21, 2022

Azad quickly responded, stating that he "loves" Modi's attire and does not disrespect it. “I am trying to express that our Prime Minister loves to makes a fashion statement. Never misses an opportunity," Azad highlighted.

Azad's comments were described as "extremely derogatory by all means" by the BJP Scheduled Tribe Morcha, which demanded action against him. Azad was also referred to as "Mr. Uncouth" by the Organization for saying such things.

This is extremely derogatory by all means, Mr Uncouth @KirtiAzaad. This is the tribal attire of Meghalaya which PM @narendramodi ji is respecting by wearing it.

Action should be taken against him @ncsthq @MundaArjun @SameerOraon16 @blsanthosh @v_shrivsatish @DilipSaikia4Bjp https://t.co/d7iInueNqM

— BJP Scheduled Tribe Morcha (@BJPSTMORCHA) December 21, 2022

“This is extremely derogatory by all means, Mr Uncouth Kirti Azad. This is the tribal attire of Meghalaya which PM ji is respecting by wearing it. Action should be taken against him," they Tweeted.

Additionally, in response to Azad's defense, the Tribe Morcha stated that TMC has a documented history of pathological hatred towards Tribals.