Guwahati: TMC leader Kirti Azad’s insulting comment on PM Narendra Modi’s and the Khasi community’s traditional attire of Meghalaya stoked controversy. TMC leader and former cricketer Kirti Azad, with his latest tweet, made derogatory remarks on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s dress during his recent Meghalaya visit on 18th December to attend the golden jubilee celebration of North Eastern Council (NEC).
Azad shared a photo of Prime Minister Modi wearing the traditional Khasi attire alongside a screenshot of a female model wearing similar clothing on an online shopping website. He captioned the picture as ‘Neither male nor female. Only a worshipper of fashion.’ Besides, it was also written in the post that the ‘multi-floral embroidered dress’ could be bought online easily.
Hitting back at Azad for his derogatory comment on PM Modi and Khasi community attire, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and Arunachal Chief Minister Pema Khandu said the TMC leader had disrespected the culture and tribal clothing of Meghalaya. CM Dr Sarma tweets, “It is saddening to see how Kirti Azaad disrespects the culture of Meghalaya and mocks our tribal attire.
TMC must urgently clarify if they endorse his views. Their silence will amount to tacit support and thus will not be forgiven by the people.” Condemning the TMC leader’s insulting comment, Arunachal Pradesh CM Pema Khandu tweeted, “Dear Kirti Azaad ~ Your making mockery of rich tribal traditions of Meghalaya, and our rich tribal heritage, is contemptuous and abominable. Your language is pitiable and an affront to the dignity of womanhood. I condemn it.”
However, while defending himself, Azad responded by saying he had not disrespected the attire and instead appreciated the Prime Minister’s fashion sense.
