Bhubaneswar – In a strong rebuke, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Majhi has condemned the recent derogatory comments made by Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi regarding India’s President, Droupadi Murmu. Majhi described these remarks as “deeply reprehensible” and highlighted the elitist and dismissive attitude exhibited by the Congress party leadership.
Sonia Gandhi referred to President Murmu as a “poor lady” who “got tired at the end,” while Rahul Gandhi labelled the President’s speech as “boring.” Majhi emphasised that these comments are not only an insult to India’s first tribal woman President but also a slight against the Santhal community, the people of Odisha, and the broader democratic fabric of the nation.
In his statement, the Odisha CM underscored that President Droupadi Murmuembodies the aspirations of millions, particularly those from tribal and marginalized communities, having risen to the highest constitutional office through sheer perseverance, dedication, and service.
The disrespectful and condescending remarks made by Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi against Hon’ble President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu Ji, are deeply reprehensible and expose the Congress party's elitist and dismissive attitude.
Sonia Gandhi’s comment, “Poor lady President…
— Mohan Charan Majhi (@MohanMOdisha) January 31, 2025
Majhi further criticised the Congress party for its persistent attempts to undermine the dignity of President Murmu, accusing them of displaying “ingrained arrogance” and showing a blatant disregard for India’s democratic institutions.
On behalf of the people of Odisha, the Chief Minister demanded an immediate apology from the Congress leadership.
“On behalf of the people of Odisha, I strongly denounce these offensive and disrespectful remarks. The people of India will not tolerate such affronts to our constitutional head, and the Congress leadership must issue an immediate apology,” said CM Majhi.
Dharmendra Pradhan Criticises Sonia and Rahul Gandhi’s Remarks as Feudal and Arrogant
Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has also condemned the comments made by Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi regarding President Droupadi Murmu’s speech in Parliament, calling them highly condemnable. He asserted that their remarks reflect the Congress party’s feudal mindset and arrogance, as well as their disappointment towards a President from a tribal community.
Pradhan noted that Congress has consistently demonstrated an anti-SC/ST/OBC stance, highlighting this incident as yet another example of their ingrained discriminatory mindset. He pointed out that Congress leaders, who have a history of undermining Dalits, marginalised communities, and backward sections, struggle to accept someone from these backgrounds holding the nation’s highest office. He stressed that their comments constituted not only an insult to President Murmu but also a disrespect to Odisha and women in general. He urged Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and the Congress party to apologise for their offensive statements.
Additionally, Pradhan praised President Murmu’s speech, commending her for effectively addressing Parliament before the Budget Session of 2025. He noted that President Murmu highlighted India’s significant achievements over the last decade and outlined a visionary roadmap aimed at realising the country’s goal of becoming a developed nation by 2047.
The President referred to this period as the ‘Amrit Kaal’ of India’s development journey, during which the government is working at an accelerated pace to meet the aspirations of young people, women, farmers, marginalised communities, and the impoverished.
Pradhan reiterated that the government, guided by the vision of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar and the Constitution, is committed to providing every poor family with a solid home, empowering the middle class, promoting youth entrepreneurship, and addressing the needs of farmers, women, and the underprivileged. He emphasised the government’s dedication to education, innovation, and scientific progress through national education policies.
Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the government has prioritised “service” and “duty,” ensuring that all segments of society benefit equally from its schemes. The Minister concluded by reaffirming the government’s objective of transforming India into a powerful, prosperous, inclusive, and developed nation through collective efforts, guided by the principles of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, and Sabka Prayas.”
