The MLA from Ramnagar in Purba Medinipur district who has been with the TMC since it was formed in 1998, Giri claimed on a WhatsApp chat in November last year that he had “scandalous information” on why Governor C V Ananda Bose had gone to inaugurate a puja organised by TMC state general secretary Kunal Ghosh.
In 2022, Giri courted controversy with remarks that were seen as derogatory towards President Droupadi Murmu. In a video clip that went viral, Giri was heard saying, “He (state Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari) said I am not good-looking. How handsome is he? We don’t judge anyone by their appearance. We respect the office of the President (of India), irrespective of how our President looks.”
The BJP demanded Giri’s arrest at the time and said he should be sacked from the state Cabinet. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had then offered an apology on behalf of the TMC for Giri’s comment.
In the latest controversial video featuring him, Giri is seen threatening an on-duty woman forest officer heading a team tasked with clearing encroachments in Tajpur, Purba Medinipur. Giri, accompanied by a group of local residents, is seen purportedly telling the woman forest officer, “You are a government employee, bow your head (in front of me) while speaking. See what happens to you within a week… These goons… will ensure that you aren’t able to go home at night. Mend your ways, or else… I’ll beat you with a danda (stick).”
Following the incident, the BJP again demanded Giri’s removal, and sought action against him for repeatedly making derogatory remarks against women.
After the TMC asked him to step down, Giri on Sunday night sent his resignation to the CM via email, but said he would not apologise to “any official”. “I may apologise to the CM.”
On his way to the state Assembly Monday morning, Giri remained unapologetic. “My party asked me to resign. I did. But I will not apologise to anyone. I will go to the Assembly as I am an MLA.”
However, he added: “I lost my cool that day upon seeing people’s sufferings, and how the Forest Department officials were torturing them. I’m sorry for using a particular word, but not for whatever else I said. Whatever I have done is for the cause of the people.”
A senior TMC leader on condition of anonymity said that by removing Giri from her cabinet, Banerjee has sent a clear message to her party colleagues that she will not tolerate such acts by any leader, even by a Cabinet colleague.
Akhil Giri is a four-time TMC MLA from Ramnagar. He first won in 2001, before losing to the CPI(M)’s Swadesh Ranjan Nayek in 2006. In 2011, he won the seat again, and retained it in 2016 and 2021. He had earlier served as the state fisheries minister.
Click here to join The Indian Express on WhatsApp and get latest news and updates