On Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a strong response amidst the ongoing controversy surrounding remarks made about President Droupadi Murmu.
The BJP had previously launched a fierce critique against the Congress party, labeling the comments as “profoundly disrespectful.” Party officials also asserted that the statements made by Gandhi highlighted the Opposition’s persistent disregard for the dignity associated with the highest constitutional position.
“A woman serving as President is being subjected to humiliation. I can comprehend the political frustration…but what justification is there for insulting the President? Currently, India is progressing whilst leaving behind such warped mentalities and embracing the principle of women-led development… If we enable half of our population to seize full opportunities, then India can advance at double the pace. This conviction of mine has strengthened after years of fieldwork,” he stated.
Earlier this month, controversy ignited when a video surfaced showing senior Congress leader Sonia Gandhi discussing a speech given by the President. The remarks emerged during a dialogue involving Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra after Murmu concluded her address to Parliament on Friday. Rahul Gandhi was also heard inquiring of his mother if the speech was “boring.”
“The poor lady, the President, was visibly fatigued by the end… she could barely speak poor thing,” Sonia Gandhi was reportedly captured saying in a viral video trending on social media.
The Rashtrapati Bhavan has since categorized the remarks as ‘unacceptable’ and ‘completely unwarranted’ — suggesting that the leaders involved might have misinterpreted the situation.
“These leaders have claimed that the President was very tired toward the end and could hardly articulate her words. Rashtrapati Bhavan would like to clarify that nothing could be more inaccurate. The President was not fatigued at any time. In fact, she believes that advocating for marginalized communities, women, and farmers— as she was doing during her address— is never tiring,” the official statement read.
(With contributions from agencies)
