Arjun Munda demands action against Bengal minister Akhil Giri

Union Tribal Welfare Minister and senior BJP leader Arjun Munda has condemned the TMC leader and West Bengal Minster Akhil Giri for his alleged objectionable remarks against the President Droupadi Murmu. Talking to reporters in New Delhi on Saturday, Munda said, by making such remarks, the TMC leader has tarnished the image of the country and also shown disrespect to the post of the President. Munda demanded the West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to take action against her cabinet colleague Akhil Giri.

Earlier,West Bengal Minister Akhil Giri on Saturday drew widespread criticism, including from Trinamool Congress, for making controversial remarks on President Droupadi Murmu. After the video clip of his comments went viral, Giri apologised for making such a remark. In a 17-second video clip, the authenticity of which PTI could not verify independently, Giri was heard commenting on the "looks of the President". "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?" Giri, the minister of state for Correctional Homes, was heard saying at a rally in a village in Nandigram late on Friday evening. Later while talking to reporters Saturday morning, Giri apologised for making such a remark.

Calling the comments "irresponsible", the TMC distanced itself from Giri's remarks. "This is an irresponsible comment & does NOT represent the views of @AITCofficial. We are extremely proud of the President of India & hold her & her office in the highest regard," read the tweet by TMC spokesperson Saket Gokhale.

Statement:

This is an irresponsible comment & does NOT represent the views of @AITCofficial.

We are extremely proud of the President of India & hold her & her office in the highest regard. https://t.co/v571435Snv

— Saket Gokhale (@SaketGokhale) November 12, 2022

However, the BJP lashed out at the Trinamool Congress and said Giri's remark reflected the "anti-tribal" mindset of the TMC. Senior BJP leader and MP Saumitra Khan termed the comment "heinous" and demanded the immediate arrest of Giri.