TMC Minister faces backlash for commenting on President Droupadi Murmu's looks
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Trinamool Congress minister Akhil Giri is facing criticism for commenting on President Droupadi Murmu's looks.
He was seen speaking in Nandigram in a viral video. He said: "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). But how does our President look?"
The BJP's West Bengal unit has called for a statewide protest against the statement. Critics are also demanding his resignation.
BJP IT cell chief Amit Malviya responded to the statement and 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-tribal, didn't support President Murmu for office, and now this. Shameful level of discourse."
BJP MP Saumitra Khan also backed the sentiment and tweeted: "This heinous act by Akhil Giri will not be forgiven in any situation. The insult of the Respected President is an insult to Women's empowerment, an insult to the Indian Democratic system. And it is an insult to 140 Crores people.
You can imagine where this mindset will lead our society?" He also wrote to the National Commission for Women and requested the "immediate arrest" of Akhil Giri. Khan also asked the organisation to "try to dismiss Giri from the MLA's post."
BJP's Bengal unit tweeted: "President Droupadi Murmu, hails from the Tribal community. Akhil Giri, TMC Minister of Correctional Homes made objectionable comments about her in the presence of Shashi Panja, another minister from the women's welfare department. Mamata Banerjee and TMC are anti-tribal."
State BJP president Sukanta Majumdar asked why Mamata Banerjee's government hates tribals so much. He tweeted: "CM Mamata Banerjee has always been Anti Tribal. His minister Akhil Giri took it further and insulted the president on her look. Why (do) she and her government hate tribals so much?"