A political storm erupted on Monday as BJP National Spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia launched a fierce attack on Congress leaders over what the BJP has called repeated disrespectful remarks against President Droupadi Murmu. The remarks, made during public speeches and statements by senior Congress leaders, have sparked strong condemnation from the BJP, which accused the opposition party of harbouring an “anti-tribal mindset.”
Addressing the media, Gaurav Bhatia pointed to several past instances where Congress leaders allegedly insulted President Murmu, India’s first tribal woman head of state. “Udit Raj said that no country should get a President like Droupadi Murmu. Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury referred to her as 'Rashtrapatni' in a completely disrespectful way. And Ajoy Kumar went so far as to say she reflects an evil mindset,” Bhatia said.
Referring to the most recent comments by Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Bhatia alleged that the pattern of derogatory remarks is not accidental but intentional. “Today's objectionable comment by Mallikarjun Kharge proves that this is not a slip of the tongue—it is very much intentional. We ask, would Kharge also render a written apology for his disgraceful and derogatory remarks?”
Bhatia further accused the Congress of showing disrespect not just toward President Murmu, but also toward former President Ram Nath Kovind. “This shows their anti-Dalit and anti-tribal mindset. They called Murmu 'Murma ji' and even accused her of being a land mafia. The truth is, if anyone deserves that label, it’s the fake Gandhi family,” he stated.
