Akhil Giri,
Minister of State in the Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress government in
West Bengal, is facing backlash over comments he made on India President
Droupadi Murmu. Giri, 63, was seen making comments about the President at a
political rally in a video that has since gone viral. The Minister for Correctional
Administration addressed the people in Nandigram on Thursday.

“He
(Suvendu Adhikari) said that I am not good-looking. How beautiful is he? We don’t
judge anyone by their appearance. We respect the office of the President (of
India). How does our President look?” Akhil Giri is seen saying in the video.

Giri’s remarks
were summarily slammed by the BJP. Amit Malviya, BJP’s IT cell chief, said, “Akhil
Giri, minister in Mamata Banerjee’s cabinet, insults the President, says, ‘We
don’t care about looks. But how does your President look?’ Mamata Banerjee has
always been anti-tribals, didn’t support President Murmu for the office and now
this. Shameful level of discourse.”

Saumitra
Khan, a BJP MP from West Bengal tweeted: “This heinous act by Akhil Giri is not
to be forgiven in any situation. Insult of Respected President is the insult of
Women empowerment, insult of Indian Democratic system & it is insult of 140
Crores of people. You can imagine where these mindset will lead our society
(sic).”

Who is
Akhil Giri?

Akhil Giri
is a Trinamool Congress leader and minister in Mamata Banerjee’s government. An
MLA from Ramnagar constituency from Purbo Medinipur, West Bengal.

Trinamool
Congress disowned the minister’s comments and distanced itself from the
controversy. “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,” said Saket Gokhale, a TMC
spokesperson.

Giri has
apologised for his remarks. “I didn’t mean to disrespect the Honourable
President. I was replying to what BJP leaders said while verbally attacking me.
I apologise for making such a remark. I have immense respect for the President
of our country.”