A political controversy erupted after Congress leader Sonia Gandhi made an informal remark about President Droupadi Murmu, commenting on her apparent exhaustion following a lengthy address in Parliament. In a video clip, she was heard saying, “The poor lady, the President, was getting very tired by the end… she could hardly speak, poor thing.” The statement, which was seen by BJP leaders as derogatory and disrespectful, has triggered a fierce debate. The ruling party accused Congress of maintaining an elitist and feudal mindset, highlighting that the remark was particularly offensive given that Murmu is India’s first tribal President. Sonia Gandhi’s daughter, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, defended her mother, insisting that there was no ill intent behind the words. She stated that her mother was simply expressing concern for the President’s well-being after delivering a long speech and that the media was twisting the context to create unnecessary controversy.
Rashtrapati Bhavan swiftly responded to the uproar, issuing a formal statement condemning the remarks and asserting that they were “unacceptable” and hurt the dignity of the high office. The President’s office clarified that at no point did Murmu appear tired and that she was deeply engaged while addressing key issues related to marginalized communities, women, and farmers. The statement also hinted that the Congress leadership might not be familiar with Hindi idioms and discourse, leading to an unfortunate misinterpretation of words. The President’s office concluded that such remarks were in “poor taste, unfortunate, and entirely avoidable.” This official condemnation added fuel to the political fire, giving BJP leaders further ammunition to target Congress ahead of the upcoming elections.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and senior BJP leaders launched a scathing attack on Sonia Gandhi and the Congress party, demanding an unconditional apology. PM Modi accused Congress of arrogance and disrespect towards the country’s highest constitutional office, stating that such remarks insult not only the President but also every poor and tribal citizen of India. BJP President JP Nadda echoed these sentiments, calling it a reflection of Congress’s feudal mindset and a deliberate attempt to undermine the achievements of tribal communities. Union ministers, including Kiren Rijiju and Dharmendra Pradhan, joined the criticism, emphasizing that President Murmu’s rise from humble beginnings to the nation’s highest office was a testament to India’s inclusive democracy. With political tensions rising just days before key elections, this controversy has further deepened the divide between the ruling and opposition parties.
