Amid mounting criticism over Sonia Gandhi’s comments on President Droupadi Murmu following her Parliament address, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra has defended her mother, saying the remarks were being misinterpreted.

The controversy erupted after a video clip showed Sonia Gandhi informally speaking to her children, Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, where she commented on the President’s apparent exhaustion.

"The poor lady, the President, was getting very tired by the end... she could hardly speak, poor thing," Sonia Gandhi was heard saying.

The remark was perceived by BJP leaders as disrespectful, sparking a fresh political confrontation between the ruling party and the Congress.

Priyanka Gandhi Responds

As the backlash intensified, Priyanka Gandhi insisted that her mother’s comments were taken out of context.

"My mother is 78 years old. She simply said that the President delivered such a long speech and must have been tired. She fully respects the President of India. It is unfortunate that such remarks are being twisted. Both are respected figures, and she meant no disrespect. The BJP should first apologise for pushing the country into difficulties," she stated.

Rashtrapati Bhavan Issues Statement

The President’s office released a statement condemning the remarks as "unacceptable and hurtful to the dignity of the high office."

"Nothing could be farther from the truth. The President was not tired at any point. Speaking up for marginalized communities, women, and farmers, as she did during her address, can never be tiring," the statement read.

It further suggested that Congress leaders might not be well-versed in Hindi idioms and expressions, leading to a misunderstanding.

"Such comments are in poor taste, unfortunate, and entirely avoidable," it concluded.

BJP Demands Apology

The BJP, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, strongly condemned Sonia Gandhi’s remarks, calling them elitist and an insult to India’s first tribal President.

"Congress and AAP both display arrogance. Sonia Gandhi’s comments today were inappropriate and insulting, not just to the President but to every poor and tribal citizen of India," PM Modi said at a rally.

BJP president JP Nadda called the remarks "deeply disrespectful" and demanded an unconditional apology.

"This is not an isolated incident. While the President was highlighting the government's achievements, the opposition—driven by its feudal mindset—chose to mock the empowerment of backward classes and women under PM Modi’s leadership," he stated.

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju also condemned the comments.

"Our President, a tribal woman, is not weak. She has worked tirelessly for the country. Congress leaders cannot even imagine her contributions. They must apologise," he said.

Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan echoed similar sentiments, terming the remarks "an unprecedented insult to the President."