Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi: The Rashtrapati Bhavan on Friday issued a strong condemnation of senior Congress leader Sonia Gandhi’s remark referring to President Droupadi Murmu as a “poor thing” after her address to Parliament at the start of the Budget Session. The President’s office termed the comment as unfortunate, unacceptable, and disrespectful to the dignity of the high office.
Rashtrapati Bhavan’s Response
In a strongly worded statement, the President’s office refuted Sonia Gandhi’s claim that the President appeared tired during her speech.
“The comments made by some prominent leaders of the Congress party are in poor taste, unfortunate, and entirely avoidable. It has clearly hurt the dignity of the high office and is unacceptable,” the Rashtrapati Bhavan stated.
The statement further added, “The President was not tired at any point. Indeed, she believes that speaking up for the marginalized communities, women, and farmers, as she did during the course of her address, can never be tiring.”
BJP Accuses Congress of Insulting Tribals
The remark sparked a political storm, with the BJP launching an all-out attack on the Congress. Leading the charge, Prime Minister Narendra Modi criticized Sonia Gandhi, calling her remarks an insult to the tribal community.
“Look at the arrogance of Congress’s royal family. They have insulted President Droupadi Murmu, a woman from a tribal background. The Congress always demeans those who rise from humble origins—be it the poor, Dalits, tribals, or OBCs,” said PM Modi during a rally in Delhi.
BJP President JP Nadda also condemned the remark, stating, “Calling the President a ‘poor thing’ is deeply disrespectful. Congress continues to disregard the dignity of the highest constitutional office.”
Congress Defends Sonia Gandhi, Calls It a BJP ‘Twist’
Congress leaders strongly defended Sonia Gandhi, accusing the BJP and sections of the media of misinterpreting her words.
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge alleged that the BJP was twisting her remarks to divert attention from economic issues.
“The BJP insulted President Murmu by not inviting her to the inauguration of the new Parliament building. The Congress respects the dignity of the President and every citizen. The BJP has a history of excluding both the current and former Presidents from key national events,” Kharge posted on X.
Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also defended her mother, stating, “My mother is 78 years old. She only meant that the President must have been tired after reading such a long speech. She has the utmost respect for the President. It is unfortunate that her remarks were twisted.”
The controversy has further escalated tensions between the BJP and Congress, with both sides refusing to back down. As political debates continue, the focus remains on how this controversy unfolds in the coming days.
