BJP MPs on Monday moved a privilege motion against Congress leader Sonia Gandhi over her “poor thing” comment on President Droupadi Murmu. Sonia Gandhi ignited a row after she had referred to President Murmu as a “poor thing” on January 31.
“We write this with great dismay about certain unparliamentary, derogatory, and demeaning remarks recently made by Smt. Sonia Gandhi, Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha, against the Hon’ble President of India, which warrants serious consideration and disciplinary action,” the MPs wrote to Rajya Sabha chairman.
The MPs claimed that the remark was a “clear indication of the elitist and anti-tribal mindset of” They claimed that Sonia Gandhi is yet to understand the struggle and sensitivity of a tribal poor”.
The MPs urged the Chairman that, Given the gravity of this issue, we humbly urge you to take cognisance of this matter and initiate appropriate disciplinary action against Smt. Sonia Gandhi.”
They further added, Such action is imperative not only to uphold the sanctity of parliamentary rules but also to reinforce the principles of decorum and mutual respect that are foundational to the effective functioning of our democratic institutions.
Followed by the President’s address before the budget session of Parliament on January 31, Sonia Gandhi was asked by reporters outside the House about President Murmu’s almost hour-long speech.
“The President was getting very tired by the end…She could hardly speak, poor thing,” the Congress leader said.
Sonia Gandhi’s remarks overnight ignited a storm of criticism from BJP leaders. Rashtrapati Bhavan also issued a statement declaring the statement “unacceptable” and saying that President Murmu was not tired.
Later, PM Modi also slammed the Congress at a rally in Delhi and alleged that Sonia Gandhi’s remarks had disrespected tribal communities.
On its part, the Congress party guarded Sonia Gandhi’s remarks, saying that the BJP was trying to mould an innocent comment.
“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’… She fully respects the president of India. I think it is very unfortunate that this kind of thing is twisted,” Priyanka Gandhi said.
