Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri on Friday strongly criticized Congress leader Sonia Gandhi for her remarks regarding President Droupadi Murmu’s address to the joint sitting of Parliament, calling her comments “unacceptable” and reflective of poor leadership within the opposition party.
After President Murmu’s speech, which outlined the government’s achievements and vision, Sonia Gandhi remarked, “The President was getting very tired by the end… She could hardly speak, poor thing.”
Puri, who serves as the Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, condemned the remarks, particularly given that Murmu is India’s first tribal President. “She is the first tribal President… She gave a report card on behalf of the government. If you have objections to it, there will be a discussion and you can counter it. But for her (Sonia Gandhi) to say she was tired? What kind of words are these?” Puri stated.
The minister further criticized both Sonia and her son, Rahul Gandhi, accusing them of trying to maintain political relevance at the cost of disrespect. “The son and mother who are desperately fighting for political relevance… I am appalled that on such an important occasion, they make statements like this. It reflects very poorly on them,” Puri added.
BJP leaders, including Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, also called for an apology from the Congress party. Rijiju stated, “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 apologize to her.”
In response, Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra accused the BJP of politicizing Sonia Gandhi’s comments. “My mother is a 70-80-year-old lady. She simply said that the President read such a long speech and must have been tired, poor thing. She fully respects the President of India. I think it is very unfortunate that this has been twisted by the media. Both are respected individuals, older than us, and she meant no disrespect. The BJP should first apologize for pushing the country into a gorge,” Priyanka said.
The Budget session of Parliament commenced on Friday with President Murmu’s address, marking the start of discussions. The Union Budget will be presented tomorrow, February 1.