A day after facing strong criticism from the opposition as well as from his own party, West Bengal Minister and TMC leader Akhil Giri on Saturday apologised for his statement against the President of India Droupadi Murmu. In his apology, Giri said that he was sorry and regretful about what he said, and still respects the Constitution and the post of the President of India.

“I said, President. Didn’t take anyone’s name. If the President of India feels insulted about it, then I am sorry and regret what I said,” the TMC leader said in a statement, adding that his reaction was for West Bengal opposition leader Suvendu Adhikari. “I am also part of the Constitution. I have taken an oath and become a minister. He [Adhikari] insulted me and said that I look like a crow. He called me a half-pant minister. This is also an insult to me.”