The controversy surrounding Congress leader Sonia Gandhi’s remarks about President Droupadi Murmu has escalated, with at least 21 tribal BJP MPs filing a privilege motion against her in Parliament. The motion, submitted on Monday, accuses Gandhi of making “derogatory and demeaning” comments about the President after her joint address to both Houses of Parliament on January 31.
The issue arose when Sonia Gandhi was caught on camera stating that President Murmu was “getting very tired by the end” of her nearly hour-long speech and that “she could hardly speak, poor thing.” The BJP MPs argue that such remarks undermine the dignity of the President’s office and violate parliamentary norms. In their notice, they contend that Gandhi’s comments do not fall under the protection of parliamentary privileges and must be treated as a serious breach of decorum.
The MPs further alleged that the remarks reflect an “elitist and anti-tribal mindset,” suggesting that Gandhi has failed to grasp the struggles and aspirations of India’s tribal communities. They emphasized that parliamentary ethics and conduct prohibit members from using defamatory language, particularly against constitutional authorities.
Citing a Supreme Court judgment that warned against the abuse of parliamentary privilege, the BJP MPs have demanded disciplinary action against Sonia Gandhi. They argue that such action is necessary to uphold parliamentary rules, maintain decorum, and reinforce mutual respect within democratic institutions. The notice concludes by urging exemplary action against Gandhi, given the gravity of the matter, especially since it involves the President of India.
This development has intensified the political battle between the BJP and the Congress, with the ruling party using the privilege motion to push back against what it perceives as disrespect towards India’s first tribal President. The Congress, on the other hand, is likely to defend Sonia Gandhi by framing the issue as an overreaction and an attempt to silence criticism. The response of the Speaker and Rajya Sabha Chairperson will be crucial in determining the next steps in this escalating political confrontation.
