January 31, 2025: A controversial remark by Congress MP Sonia Gandhi regarding President Droupadi Murmu's address in Parliament has sparked a political storm, with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) demanding an apology.

During the Budget session, Sonia Gandhi was overheard criticizing the President’s speech, which she described as lacking in substance. While dissecting the President’s opening remarks, Gandhi remarked that Murmu appeared "very tired" by the end of the hour-long address, and added, "She could hardly speak, poor thing."

The comment was made in the presence of her son, Rahul Gandhi, who also shared his own opinion of the speech, calling it "boring." Despite not engaging directly with the media, Sonia's remarks were overheard by reporters, who quickly captured the moment. Rahul was seen nodding in agreement, with both leaders noting that the President had "repeated the same thing again and again."

Purnia MP Pappu Yadav also weighed in on the controversy, labeling the President as a "rubber stamp" for the government. "The President is like a stamp. She just has to read a love letter," Yadav remarked, further fueling the ongoing debate.

Trinamool Congress MP Kalyan Banerjee added to the uproar, calling the President’s speech both "funny" and "depressing." He expressed frustration, criticizing the President for failing to address key issues, including the situation in Manipur.

The BJP has reacted strongly to the remarks, with several leaders demanding an apology from Sonia Gandhi for her comments on the President. "This is highly disrespectful towards the highest office in the country. We expect Sonia Gandhi to apologize for her insensitive remarks," a BJP spokesperson said.

The incident has further heightened tensions in the already charged political environment ahead of the upcoming elections, with both parties continuing to trade barbs over the President’s address and the broader political discourse.