“I condemn the utterances of my MLA. I personally have great regard for the President. We have cautioned him … I apologise on behalf of my party. My party already has apologised. I have great regards for the President,” said Banerjee.
The CM, without pointing finger at anybody, also recalled that Giri was referred to as ‘darkak’ (crow species) in the past.
“Somebody has committed a mistake and we are opposing it, we are not supporting it. But every day the language that is being used to make statements and the lying that is continuing is unacceptable,” said the CM.
Giri had made a comment about the President’s looks during a rally in Nandigram.
In the video that has gone viral, Giri is heard saying in a public meeting, “He (Suvendu Adhikari) says I am ugly. How beautiful you are! We don’t judge anyone by their appearance, we respect the office of the President (of India). But how does our President look?”
‘Momentary lapse of judgement’
Giri, who is locked in a bitter turf battle with Suvendu Adhikari in East Midnapore, blamed his “momentary lapse of judgement” to “anger due to repeated attacks by Suvendu Adhikari on his looks”. He tendered an apology on November 11.
Trinamool Congress completely dissociated itself from Giri saying it “neither supports nor takes responsibilities” for such comments.
The BJP has dubbed TMC as “anti-tribal” has demanded Giri’s resignation from the state cabinet.
(With inputs from agencies)
