"She means no disrespect": Priyanka Gandhi on Sonia Gandhi's remarks

New Delhi [India], January 31 (ANI): Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra clarified that her mother and Congress leader Sonia Gandhi have the utmost respect for President Droupadi Murmu. She further expressed that it was very "unfortunate" that her comments were "twisted" by the media.
Commenting on Sonia Gandhi's remarks on President Murmu and her speech, Priyanka Gandhi told reporters, "My mother is 78 years lady, she has simply said that 'the President read such a long speech and she must have been tired, poor thing'...She fully respects (the President of India). I think it is very unfortunate that this kind of thing is twisted by the media. They both are two respected people and older than us...She means no disrespect".
Responding to the BJP's demand for an apology from the Congress party over Sonia Gandhi's remarks, She said, "BJP should first apologise for plunging the country into such a pit".
While reacting to President Murmu's address to the joint session of the Parliament, Sonia Gandhi told reporters, "The President was getting very tired by the end...She could hardly speak, poor thing."
The BJP leaders have come heavily on the former Congress chief over her remarks. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju also called for an apology from the Congress.
"I condemn the comments made by Sonia Gandhi and other opposition leaders. Our President, a tribal woman, is not weak... Droupadi Murmu has worked extensively for the country and society and they cannot even imagine the kind of work she has done... They should apologise to her," Rijiju said.
President Murmu's address marked the beginning of the Budget Session. Emphasising that the government is working on all-round development, President Murmu said that the country has only one aim which is to become a Vikshit Bharat (developed India), with the government working on a "saturation approach" to ensure no one is left behind.
Murmu said, "My government is working with the Saturation Approach, so nobody is left in the journey of Vikshit Bharat... We have only one aim to become Viksit Bharat."
As the Made in India defence product goes global, the President lauded the government for taking steps towards self-reliance in the defence sector.
"The country has taken several historic steps to protect the country's borders and ensure internal security.... The govt has also taken steps towards self-reliance in the defence sector. From Make in India, we have moved to make for the world..." she said.
Regarding infrastructure, she highlighted the completion of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla rail link project, stating that now India would be connected by railway from Kashmir to Kanyakumari.
"The Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla rail link project has been completed and now the country will be connected by railway line from Kashmir to Kanyakumari. India's metro rail network has now crossed (ANI)