Trinamool asks minister to resign for misbehaving with woman officer
What's the story
The Trinamool Congress in West Bengal has demanded the resignation of state jail minister Akhil Giri after a video of him threatening a female department official surfaced. The video in question shows Giri in a heated argument with District Forest Officer Manisha Shau during an eviction drive in Tajpur, East Midnapore district. Giri is heard instructing Shau to stay away from the matter and threatening her with severe consequences if she interferes again.
Incident details
Video reveals minister's threats to female officer
The minister even went as far as threatening physical violence. After the video went viral, Trinamool Congress state chief Subrata Bakshi directed Giri to apologize unconditionally to the officer and submit his resignation. Party spokesperson Dr. Santanu Sen stated, "Yesterday our minister misbehaved with a lady forest officer, and we clarified immediately that we do not support such behavior."
Political reactions
Opposition and party leadership monitor incident closely
The state BJP had criticized the ruling TMC for Giri's public misconduct and called for his resignation. They questioned whether Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee would take action against Giri for obstructing government workers and outraging a woman's modesty. Once Giri was asked to resign, party spokesperson Sen turned the table on the BJP, stating, "What is to be noted here is that the Trinamool Congress follows Raj Dharma and only the Trinamool Congress can take such action as a party."