BJP MPs file privilege motion against Sonia Gandhi over 'poor thing' remark on President Murmu

A political controversy erupted on Monday after over 40 Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Members of Parliament (MPs) moved a privilege motion against Congress leader Sonia Gandhi. The motion was filed in response to Gandhi’s remarks about President Droupadi Murmu following her address to a joint sitting of Parliament on January 31. Gandhi had referred to President Murmu as a "poor thing" and remarked that she seemed "very tired" after delivering her nearly hour-long speech.

The BJP MPs submitted a letter to Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar, demanding disciplinary action against Sonia Gandhi for making what they described as "unparliamentary, derogatory, and demeaning" remarks. The MPs accused Gandhi of displaying an elitist and anti-tribal mindset. They claimed that her comment undermined the dignity of the office of the President and reflected a lack of sensitivity towards marginalized communities, particularly tribals. They urged the Rajya Sabha Chairman to take appropriate action to maintain the decorum of the Parliament and protect the sanctity of the President’s office.

In the wake of the controversy, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also criticized Congress, accusing its leadership of disrespecting marginalized communities. Speaking at a rally in Dwarka, Delhi, Modi said, "Droupadi Murmu ji has come here from a tribal family... But the royal family of Congress has started insulting her." He further stated that Sonia Gandhi's remark was an insult to tribals and marginalized groups. Modi’s statement highlighted the BJP’s focus on defending President Murmu, who hails from a tribal background, as a symbol of progress for marginalized communities.

The Rashtrapati Bhavan issued a formal response, describing Sonia Gandhi’s remarks as "unacceptable" and "in poor taste." The statement clarified that President Murmu had not shown signs of fatigue during her speech, which focused on issues affecting marginalized communities, women, and farmers. It stressed that the President's address was delivered with the commitment to speak up for those who are underrepresented. The Rashtrapati Bhavan called Gandhi’s comments a "clear manifestation" of an inappropriate attitude towards the President and the office she holds.

Congress, for its part, defended Sonia Gandhi’s comments. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Congress general secretary, explained that her mother’s words were intended to express sympathy for President Murmu’s long speech. She stated, "My mother is 78 years old, she has simply said that the President read such a long speech and she must have been tired, 'poor thing.'" Congress leaders reiterated that Sonia Gandhi has a deep respect for President Murmu and accused the BJP of distorting her intentions for political purposes.

The controversy intensified as BJP leaders continued to demand an apology from Sonia Gandhi, asserting that her remarks were disrespectful to the highest constitutional office. Meanwhile, Congress leaders maintained that the BJP was exaggerating the issue and attempting to create a false narrative.