The Rashtrapati Bhavan has condemned comments made by Sonia and Rahul Gandhi regarding President Droupadi Murmu’s parliamentary address, calling them “unfortunate, entirely avoidable,” and “in poor taste,” further stating that the comments “hurt the dignity of the high office.” This has sparked a renewed war of words between the BJP and Congress.
Following President Murmu’s address to a joint Parliament sitting, Sonia Gandhi reportedly told reporters the President appeared exhausted, stating, “The President was getting very tired by the end. She could hardly speak, poor thing.” Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra were present.
The BJP swiftly labeled the comments “derogatory” and demanded an apology. The Rashtrapati Bhavan subsequently released a statement refuting the claims, asserting the President was not tired and highlighting her commitment to marginalized communities.
The statement suggested the Congress leaders may have misunderstood the speech due to unfamiliarity with Hindi, but deemed the comments “in poor taste, unfortunate and entirely avoidable,” and unacceptable due to their impact on the dignity of the President’s office.
BJP chief JP Nadda criticized the use of “poor thing,” characterizing it as reflective of an “elitist, anti-poor, and anti-tribal” nature within the Congress party, reiterating the demand for an apology. Rahul Gandhi was heard assisting his mother with her comments, reportedly suggesting phrases like, “Boring? No comments? Repeating the same thing again and again?”
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju condemned the remarks, emphasizing President Murmu’s strength and extensive work for the country, demanding an apology for what he deemed disrespectful comments toward a tribal woman.
In her address, President Murmu highlighted the government’s efforts in overcoming economic “policy paralysis” despite challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic and global conflicts.
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