Controversy erupted after Congress leader Sonia Gandhi criticized President Droupadi Murmu's speech at the joint sitting of Parliament. The remarks, made on Friday, came after the President's address preceding the Budget session. Sonia Gandhi commented that the President appeared fatigued towards the conclusion of her speech and struggled to continue.

"The President was getting very tired by the end. She could hardly speak, poor thing," Sonia Gandhi told reporters after the session.

This statement sparked sharp backlash from Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders, who demanded an immediate apology. BJP president J.P. Nadda condemned Gandhi's remarks, labeling them an insult to both the President and India's tribal communities. He emphasized that such comments reflect the Congress party's deep-rooted elitism and disregard for marginalized groups.

"The deliberate usage of such words shows the elitist, anti-poor, and anti-tribal nature of the Congress Party. I demand that the Congress Party unconditionally apologise to the Honourable President and the tribal communities of India," Nadda posted on X (formerly Twitter).

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju also criticized the comments, accusing the opposition of being unwilling to accept a tribal leader in the country's highest constitutional office. BJP leaders have rallied behind President Murmu, highlighting her significance as the first tribal President of India and a symbol of empowerment for marginalized sections of society.

In an official response, the Rashtrapati Bhavan issued a strong statement, denouncing the remarks without explicitly naming Sonia Gandhi. The statement expressed that the comments were “unacceptable” and had “clearly hurt the dignity of the high office.” It also clarified that President Murmu was not fatigued during her address and remains dedicated to advocating for marginalized groups, including women and farmers.

The Rashtrapati Bhavan's statement firmly refuted Gandhi’s claims, asserting that "speaking up for marginalized communities can never be tiring."

The statement further noted that leaders making such remarks might lack an understanding of traditional Indian idiom and discourse. “In any case, such comments are in poor taste, unfortunate, and entirely avoidable,” it added, emphasizing that such remarks undermine the respect and decorum due to the nation's highest office.

The Rashtrapati Bhavan issued a strong clarification on Saturday, directly addressing the controversy surrounding Congress leader Sonia Gandhi's comments on President Droupadi Murmu’s address to Parliament. The statement categorically rejected any claims suggesting that the President appeared tired.

“Rashtrapati Bhavan would like to clarify that nothing could be farther from the truth. The President was not tired at any point. Indeed, she has believed that speaking up for marginalized communities, for women and farmers, as she was doing during her address, can never be tiring,” the statement firmly declared. It emphasized that those criticizing the President may have misunderstood the nuances of traditional Indian expressions.

The Rashtrapati Bhavan further elaborated, “The President’s office believes it might be the case that these leaders have not acquainted themselves with the idiom and discourse in Indian languages such as Hindi, and thus formed a wrong impression. In any case, such comments are in poor taste, unfortunate and entirely avoidable.”

These remarks came after Sonia Gandhi had commented on the President’s address, saying, “The President was getting very tired by the end…She could hardly speak, poor thing.” This statement prompted an intense backlash from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its senior leaders.

Leading the charge was Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, who demanded a public apology from the Congress party. Rijiju condemned the remarks, emphasizing the President’s strength and tireless commitment to the nation. “I condemn the comments made by Sonia Gandhi and other opposition leaders. Our President, a tribal woman, is not weak… Droupadi Murmu has worked extensively for the country and society, and they cannot even imagine the kind of work she has done… They should apologise to her,” Rijiju said.

Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri also expressed outrage at the former Congress chief’s remarks. In a scathing rebuke, Puri criticized what he described as the Congress party’s deep-rooted arrogance. "Referring to her in such a condescending and derogatory way is appalling. One is beginning to wonder if Congress is a political party in a functioning democracy, or is it a set of entitled and arrogant people with scant respect for institutions of our Republic, including the Head of State. Have they no shame?" he questioned, underscoring the gravity of the insult.

Adding to the criticism was BJP IT cell head Amit Malviya, who accused Sonia Gandhi of harboring a “feudal mindset” and showing contempt for constitutional values. Malviya condemned her choice of words, arguing that it belittled not just the President but also the very spirit of representation and inclusivity. “Sonia Gandhi referring to the President as a ‘poor thing’ demeans the high office and reflects her feudal mindset,” Malviya asserted. He went on to highlight a pattern of behavior within the Congress party, stating, “This is not the first time the Congress has ridiculed the first tribal woman to hold the highest constitutional office in the country. Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition, who frequently flaunts a copy of the Constitution, has not even considered making a courtesy visit to the President.”

Malviya’s criticism expanded to accuse the Congress party of systematically disrespecting India’s democratic framework. He accused them of having “no regard for Baba Saheb Ambedkar’s Constitution, constitutional values, or those from socially marginalized backgrounds—namely, Dalits, OBCs, and Tribals.” He concluded by stating, “The rot starts at the top.”

'President should be spared this annual embarrassment': Congress

The Congress party, instead of backing down amidst the backlash, intensified its criticism. Congress General Secretary KC Venugopal accused the government of using the President to deliver politically biased content. He echoed Sonia Gandhi’s sentiments, alleging that President Droupadi Murmu was compelled to read a speech that served as propaganda for the ruling government.

"The President was made to deliver a political speech. Nothing is new. Everything is only complete lie and jumla," Venugopal asserted, taking a sharp swipe at the speech's content.

This perspective was also supported by Congress MP Manish Tewari, who criticized the entire address as a mere formality, offering nothing substantial. Tewari described it as “a ritualistic reiteration of a laundry list of the Government’s alleged achievements.” His remarks indicated a sense of frustration with the President’s role in delivering speeches prepared by the government, which the opposition believes lack authenticity.

Tewari further stressed that the President should not be placed in such a position year after year. “The President’s address unfortunately is nothing more than a ritualistic reiteration of a laundry list of the Government’s alleged achievements. The @rashtrapatibhvn should be spared this annual embarrassment,” he tweeted. Suggesting a major reform, he added, “Otherwise the Hon’ble President of India @rashtrapatibhvn should be allowed to speak her or his own mind.” 

PM Modi lauds President's speech

On the other hand, Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded President Murmu's address, commending her for articulating a strong vision for India’s development. PM Modi praised the speech as a “resonant outline” of India’s journey towards becoming a 'Viksit Bharat' (developed nation). He emphasized that the address captured a forward-thinking approach, covering multiple sectors and underscoring opportunities for the nation’s youth.

“Today's address by Rashtrapati Ji to both Houses of Parliament was a resonant outline of our nation's path toward building a Viksit Bharat,” Modi stated in a post on X. He highlighted that the President’s speech conveyed the essence of futuristic and holistic development plans that are essential for India’s progress.

The Prime Minister further acknowledged the inspiring tone of the address, emphasizing its emphasis on national unity and determination to achieve set goals. “She highlighted initiatives across sectors and underscored the importance of all-around as well as futuristic development. Her address encapsulated the vision for an India where youth have the best opportunities to flourish. The address also included inspiring roadmaps for achieving the goals we have set with a spirit of unity and determination,” Modi elaborated in his statement.

President addresses Joint Session

During her address to the Joint Session of Parliament, President Droupadi Murmu outlined India’s developmental progress and future ambitions. She reaffirmed that India is on track to becoming the world’s third-largest economy, underscoring the government’s commitment to inclusive growth. Murmu proudly stated, “My government's mantra is 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas'.” Her speech set a tone of optimism, emphasizing the government's policies designed to uplift all sections of society.

Arriving in a traditional horse-drawn buggy, a ceremonial gesture symbolic of India’s democratic heritage, the President began her speech by paying homage to the framers of the Indian Constitution. "Two months ago, we celebrated 75 years of adopting our Constitution, and a few days ago, we completed our journey of 75 years. On behalf of all Indians, I bow down to Babasaheb Ambedkar and all others in the Constitution Committee," she said, recognizing the significance of the milestone and India’s democratic legacy.

President Murmu also paid tribute to former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who passed away last year. She acknowledged his decade-long leadership and contributions to the nation, highlighting his distinguished parliamentary career.

Addressing recent national events, Murmu expressed deep sorrow over the tragic stampede at the Mahakumbh in Uttar Pradesh’s Prayagraj, which claimed 30 lives. She described the Mahakumbh as a reflection of India’s rich cultural identity and spiritual enlightenment. “Mahakumbh is a festival of India's cultural identity and social enlightenment. Crores of devotees have already taken the holy dip. I express grief over the incident that occurred on Mouni Amavasya and pray for the speedy recovery of the injured,” she said, offering condolences to the victims’ families.

The President highlighted major initiatives aimed at improving the quality of life for India’s citizens. She announced the construction of three crore additional houses under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, emphasizing the government's dedication to housing security for all. Furthermore, she unveiled the expansion of the Ayushman Bharat Scheme, which will now offer health insurance coverage of five lakh rupees annually for six crore senior citizens above the age of 70. “Every year, they will receive a health cover of five lakh rupees,” she assured.

In addition to healthcare and housing, Murmu emphasized the government’s commitment to women-led development. She praised the impact of the National Rural Livelihood Mission, which has empowered over 10 crore women through self-help groups. She pointed to the success of the ‘Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam’, a measure ensuring women’s reservation in legislatures. Murmu also spoke about the ‘Lakhpati Didi’ initiative, which aims to create financially independent women leaders. “Today, over 1.15 crore Lakhpati Didis are leading dignified lives, with about 50 lakh joining this category in just the past six months,” she proudly announced.

President Murmu reaffirmed the government’s focus on all-round development, stressing that the country is united in its objective to become a ‘Viksit Bharat’ (Developed India). The President underscored the government’s commitment to a “saturation approach,” ensuring that no citizen is left behind in this journey of growth and progress. “My government is working with the Saturation Approach, so nobody is left in the journey of Vikshit Bharat… We have only one aim to become Viksit Bharat,” she said.

She praised India’s strides in self-reliance in the defence sector, highlighting the growing success of ‘Make in India’ initiatives. Murmu noted that the country has transitioned from producing defence equipment domestically to exporting it worldwide. “The country has taken several historic steps to protect the country’s borders and ensure internal security… The govt has also taken steps towards self-reliance in the defence sector. From Make in India, we have moved to make for the world,” she asserted, showcasing India’s progress on the global stage.

President Murmu also celebrated the completion of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla railway project, which now links Kashmir to Kanyakumari by rail. This project is seen as a major achievement in enhancing national connectivity. “The Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla rail link project has been completed and now the country will be connected by railway line from Kashmir to Kanyakumari,” she declared.

Additionally, she highlighted the development of India’s metro rail network, which has surpassed 1,000 kilometres, making it the third-largest metro system in the world. “India’s metro rail network has now crossed the 1000-kilometre milestone. India has the world’s third-largest metro network,” she stated, reflecting the nation’s commitment to modern infrastructure and urban growth.

Murmu’s address underscored the government’s comprehensive vision for India’s progress, touching upon critical sectors such as infrastructure, health, defence, and women’s empowerment. The speech projected confidence in India's ability to achieve its ambitious goal of becoming a developed nation, while also paying tribute to the country's cultural heritage and democratic spirit.