"Unfortunately, this is not an isolated incident," JP Nadda slams Sonia Gandhi's remarks

New Delhi [India], January 31 (ANI): Union Minister and BJP National President JP Nadda termed Congress leader Sonia Gandhi's remarks pertaining to President Droupadi Murmu's address to the joint sitting of two Houses of Parliament as "deeply disrespectful"

Former Congress President Smt Sonia Gandhi’s use of the phrase “poor thing” to refer to the President is deeply disrespectful and underscores the opposition’s continued disregard for the dignity of the highest constitutional office. Unfortunately, this is not an isolated…

— Jagat Prakash Nadda (@JPNadda) January 31, 2025

Referring to President Murmu's speech, Sonia Gandhi said "The President was getting very tired, by the end...she could hardly speak, poor thing."
JP Nadda, who is the Minister of Health, said in a social media post on Friday, "Former Congress President Smt Sonia Gandhi's use of the phrase "poor thing" to refer to the President is deeply disrespectful and underscores the opposition's continued disregard for the dignity of the highest constitutional office."
"Unfortunately, this is not an isolated incident. While the President was highlighting the government's achievements, the opposition--driven by its feudal mindset--chose instead to mock the empowerment of backward classes and women, a transformation brought about under Prime Minister Modi's leadership, Nadda said.
"Time and again, the opposition has shown blatant disregard for constitutional norms, carrying forward its legacy of disrespect for Babasaheb Ambedkar with undignified ease--all for petty political gains. Perhaps it is time for the opposition to focus on meaningful discussions in the temple of democracy instead of repeatedly insulting the highest office in the country. They must stop parroting the language of foreign puppet masters while enriching themselves at the nation's expense," he further wrote.
BJP leaders have come heavily on the former Congress chief over her remarks. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju 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.
Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra slammed BJP for politicising Sonia Gandhi's remarks.
"My mother is a 70-80-year-old lady, she has simply said that 'the President read such a long speech and she must have been tired, poor thing'...she fully respects (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. BJP should first apologise for pushing (the country) into a gorge," she said.
The budget session of Parliament commenced on Friday with President Murmu addressing the joint sitting of the two Houses of Parliament. The union budget will be presented on Saturday. (ANI)