West Bengal Jails Minister Akhil Giri Steps Down After TMC Demand

The Trinamool Congress (TMC) on Sunday demanded the resignation of West Bengal Jails Minister Akhil Giri and an apology to a woman officer from the state forest department. This followed the emergence of video clips showing Giri threatening and verbally abusing her. Speaking to reporters in Kanthi, Purba Medinipur district, Giri stated he would resign but refused to apologise.

Giri, who represents Ramnagar, was seen in videos warning forest ranger Manisha Sahu about reducing her tenure after she and her team removed encroachments on forest department land near Tajpur beach. He was flanked by locals during this incident. Following party instructions, state president Subrata Bakshi called Giri on Sunday afternoon, instructing him to apologise and submit his resignation immediately, according to TMC spokesperson Shantanu Sen.

Party's Response

Another TMC spokesperson, Jaiprakash Majumdar, emphasised that the party does not tolerate such behaviour from its members. He acknowledged that Giri's outburst had somewhat tarnished the party's image. "We have learnt that he has decided to resign," Majumdar said. Giri mentioned he would continue serving as an MLA even after resigning as a minister and would advocate for people in his constituency.

Giri reiterated his criticism of forest officials, claiming they lacked compassion by removing small traders who sold goods to tourists near the beach town. The area is close to the more popular seaside resort town of Digha. He also alleged that villagers had informed him that officials previously permitted the sheds in exchange for monetary considerations.

Previous Controversies

Incidentally, two years ago in 2022, Giri's controversial remarks about President Droupadi Murmu were severely criticised. TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee had to apologise for Giri's derogatory remark after a massive uproar by the opposition. Forest Minister Birbaha Hansda said she had spoken to Sahu over the phone after the incident.

Majumdar argued that opposition parties, particularly the BJP, should not criticise the forest range officer issue. He noted that the saffron party has not acted against its own leaders accused of making offensive remarks about women. He claimed that while the TMC is committed to taking strong action against its members for such behaviour, the BJP does not exhibit the same resolve.

Opposition's Reaction

Slamming Giri for his attitude towards a woman officer, the BJP on Saturday demanded that the minister be arrested and put behind bars. "Will Mamata Banerjee dare to throw out this minister and put him behind bars? Will charges be filed against him for obstructing government workers and outraging the modesty of women? Let's see if this goon is kicked inside jail for threatening to indirectly kill and outrage the modesty of a woman," the BJP posted on X.

Giri said there was no question of apologising to any official but regretted his remarks made in an agitated state on Saturday. "I will email my resignation tonight and hand it over personally to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee tomorrow in the Assembly," he added.

The controversy has sparked significant debate within political circles, highlighting issues of accountability and conduct among public officials.