A comment by Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi regarding President Droupadi Murmu’s address to Parliament has sparked a political firestorm. Gandhi referred to President Murmu’s speech, saying, “She could hardly speak, poor thing,” which has been met with sharp backlash, particularly from BJP leaders.

BJP’s Criticism of Gandhi’s Comment

The BJP has strongly condemned Gandhi’s words, accusing her of revealing the “elitist, anti-poor, and anti-tribal” nature of the Congress Party. The saffron party also called the comment an “unprecedented insult” to the office of the President.

BJP President JP Nadda tweeted, “I and every BJP Karyakarta strongly condemn the usage of the phrase ‘poor thing’ by Smt. Sonia Gandhi for Honourable President of India, Droupadi Murmu Ji. Such words reflect the elitist mindset and disregard for tribal communities. I demand that the Congress Party unconditionally apologise to President Murmu and the tribal communities of India.”

BJP Leaders Respond

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, while not directly addressing Sonia Gandhi, praised President Murmu’s speech. “The President’s address to Parliament was comprehensive, relevant, and aspirational,” Sarma said. “It had the necessary elements to achieve the vision of a ‘Viksit Bharat’ (developed India). My gratitude to Rashtrapati Ji for clearly outlining the government’s priorities.”

BJP MP Sambit Patra also criticized Gandhi’s remark, stating, “It is unfortunate that Sonia Gandhi made such an inappropriate comment about President Droupadi Murmu. Calling her a ‘poor thing’ is offensive. The President is a distinguished leader who holds a position of immense respect and authority. If anything, Rahul Gandhi is the ‘poor thing’ in the country.”

Other BJP Leaders Join the Condemnation

Rajya Sabha member Rekha Sharma added, “When Congress is out of power, it loses its composure. They don’t understand how to talk about constitutional positions. I noticed Sonia Gandhi smiling when the message of condolence for lives lost in Kumbh was being read, and instructing party MPs to make noise. This behavior in Parliament is disrespectful.”

Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan expressed disbelief, saying, “The kind of language used by Sonia Gandhi and her son Rahul Gandhi against the President is shocking. What more can we expect from them?”

Kiren Rijiju’s Strong Condemnation

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju also condemned Gandhi’s comment, saying, “Our President, a tribal woman, is not weak. Droupadi Murmu has worked tirelessly for the country and society, and the Congress leaders have no idea about the kind of work she has done. They should apologize to her.”

President Murmu’s Address

President Droupadi Murmu’s address, which opened the Budget Session on Friday, focused on the government’s agenda for all-around development. Emphasizing that India’s sole aim is to become a “Viksit Bharat” (Developed India), President Murmu stated that the government is working with a “saturation approach” to ensure that no one is left behind in this journey of national progress.