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The 2025 Budget session, which commenced on February 1, took an unexpected turn when Congress MP Sonia Gandhi made a controversial remark about President Droupadi Murmu. Her reference to the President as a “poor lady” has sparked widespread criticism, highlighting the deep-seated elitism within the Congress party.
While commenting on Murmu’s speech, Sonia Gandhi remarked, “The President was completely exhausted by the end. Poor lady, she could barely speak.” This statement, instead of being seen as an observation, was perceived as condescending and dismissive of India’s first tribal woman President.
Rashtrapati Bhavan Condemns the Comment
The office of the President swiftly responded, condemning Sonia Gandhi’s words as both disrespectful and unbecoming of a senior political leader. Rashtrapati Bhavan issued a statement affirming that President Murmu, as a voice for the nation’s marginalized communities and farmers, carries her responsibilities with unwavering commitment. “True dedication to public service is never exhausting,” the statement read, countering the Congress leader’s words.
This response reflected not only an institutional rebuttal but also a firm stance against attempts to diminish the stature of a leader who represents the aspirations of millions of tribals, women, and the underprivileged.
PM Modi Calls Out Congress’ Arrogance
Prime Minister Narendra Modi wasted no time in addressing the controversy, calling Sonia Gandhi’s remark a direct insult to President Murmu and the dignity of women in India. He asserted that the Congress leadership had repeatedly exhibited disdain for tribal communities and their representatives.
“The Congress royal family cannot tolerate the idea of a tribal woman in the highest constitutional office,” PM Modi stated, accusing the party of clinging to a feudal mindset that refuses to accept India’s evolving democratic structure. His remarks underscored the growing divide between dynastic politics and emerging grassroots leadership.
Congress’ Troubled History with Tribal Representation
Sonia Gandhi’s remark is not an isolated incident but a reflection of Congress’ long-standing disregard for India’s tribal communities. The party has a record of neglecting tribal interests, sidelining their contributions, and failing to support welfare schemes aimed at empowering them.
This discomfort with President Murmu’s rise aligns with Congress’ past reluctance to acknowledge tribal leaders and freedom fighters. From opposing key tribal welfare initiatives to failing to recognize the struggles of indigenous communities, the party has consistently alienated them. The latest remark only reinforces this pattern.
A Recurring Pattern of Disrespect
Congress’ history of belittling President Murmu dates back to July 2024, when senior leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury referred to her as “Rashtrapatni”, a term widely criticized for its sexist and derogatory undertones. The remark was met with outrage, further exposing the party’s inability to accept a tribal woman in the nation’s highest office.
The persistence of such comments raises critical questions about whether the Congress party harbors deep-rooted biases against non-dynastic leadership. These instances are not merely political missteps but rather symptomatic of a larger problem within the party’s ideological framework.
The Elite Congress Mindset at Play
Had the President belonged to an elite, dynastic background, would Congress have made similar remarks? The party’s discomfort with grassroots leaders reveals a systemic bias against those rising from humble origins. This unwillingness to acknowledge an inclusive and diverse leadership structure keeps the party trapped in its past.
Sonia Gandhi’s comment has hurt not just the President, but also millions of tribal citizens who see Murmu as a beacon of hope and representation. By downplaying her position, Congress has once again demonstrated its reluctance to accept the changing face of Indian politics—one that is no longer dictated by elitist Lutyens’ circles but shaped by the aspirations of the common people.
Reference: https://www.oneindia.com/india/congress-elite-arrogance-exposed-sonia-gandhis-poor-lady-jibe-at-tribal-president-sparks-outrag-4060735.html
