Giriraj Singh expressed disapproval, deeming it "inappropriate," of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's participation in a dance during the 29th edition of the Kolkata International Film Festival (KIFF). The Trinamool Congress leaders swiftly criticized Union Minister Giriraj Singh for his comments, specifically addressing his remarks about Mamata Banerjee's dance at the film festival. Notably, Mamata Banerjee had joined prominent figures such as Salman Khan, Sonakshi Sinha, Mahesh Bhatt, Anil Kapoor, and Shatrughan Sinha on stage for a dance performance.
Responding to a viral video of the event, Giriraj Singh remarked, "Jashn mana rahi hai, thumke laga rahi hai, yeh uchit nahi hai. (She is celebrating and dancing; this is inappropriate.)" When questioned about Banerjee's participation as part of the film festival, he added, "Toh festival mai thumke lagana kaun zaroori hai? (Is it required to dance at the festival?)"
The Trinamool Congress condemned the Union Minister's comments, asserting, "It's evident that the BJP leaders find it incredibly hard to fathom a woman in power challenging their authority. Their archaic mindset, steeped in gender biases, is blatantly on display."
TMC MP Mahua Moitra responded to Giriraj Singh's remarks, stating, "Mr. Singh, can I just tell you, the reason we 'manao jashn' in Bengal is because we don't have to put up with the likes of you with the misogyny and patriarchy that is practiced by you and the BJP every single day." Moitra also criticized the Minister of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, highlighting the "inappropriateness" of his ministry withholding funds due to the Bengal government under the MGNREGA scheme and the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana.
TMC's National Spokesperson Sushmita Dev characterized Giriraj Singh's remark as indicative of "the BJP's shameful and misogynistic mindset." She emphasized the significance of the Kolkata International Film Festival as a source of pride for Bengal and criticized the BJP's inability to accept Mamata Banerjee's popularity and good governance.
West Bengal Minister and TMC leader Shashi Panja expressed the party's anger at Giriraj Singh's remarks, questioning the BJP's right to disrespect a woman. She asserted that an apology from the Union Minister, even if offered, would be insufficient given the inappropriate nature of his comments, considering his position of responsibility.
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