Patna, February 2, 2025 – A Bihar court has been approached with a formal complaint against Congress leader Sonia Gandhi for her alleged disrespectful remark about President Droupadi Murmu. The complaint accuses Sonia Gandhi of insulting the President of India by referring to her as a “poor thing”. The case has sparked heated political debates across the nation, with the Gandhi family coming under fire from the ruling government and various political groups.
What Did Sonia Gandhi Say?
Sonia Gandhi made the controversial “poor thing” remark during a recent public appearance, which was reported in the media. While addressing a gathering, she allegedly said:
🗣️ “I feel sorry for the poor thing, who is now in the position of the President, but has little to offer except being a puppet of the ruling party.”
The statement immediately drew widespread criticism from various sections of society, with many interpreting it as an insult to the President. Sonia Gandhi’s words were seen as a deliberate attack on President Murmu, who is the first tribal woman to hold the highest constitutional position in India.
The Legal Complaint and Accusations
The complaint, filed by a local resident in Patna, accuses Sonia Gandhi of insulting President Droupadi Murmu and undermining her office. The complainant argued that the remark disrespects the President, who is the head of state and a constitutional authority.
According to the complainant:
Sonia Gandhi’s words were disparaging and disrespectful, not only to President Murmu but to the institution of the President as a whole.
The remark has caused public outrage and is likely to damage the dignity of the office of the President.
Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra are named as co-accused, alleging their possible role in supporting or endorsing such comments.
Political Fallout and Reactions
The complaint has intensified the political confrontation between the Congress party and the ruling BJP. BJP leaders have strongly condemned Sonia Gandhi’s remark and demanded an apology from the Gandhi family.
📌 BJP Spokesperson Nupur Sharma: “This statement is not just an insult to President Murmu, but to every citizen of India. Sonia Gandhi has crossed all limits of decency and respect.”
📌 Union Minister Smriti Irani: “Sonia Gandhi’s remarks are part of a larger pattern of disrespect shown by Congress towards women leaders, especially those from tribal and marginalized communities.”
On the other hand, Congress party leaders have defended Sonia Gandhi, claiming her words were misinterpreted and that she never intended to insult President Murmu.
📌 Congress Spokesperson Randeep Surjewala: “The BJP is twisting Sonia Gandhi’s words to create a controversy. The Congress party respects the office of the President, and these false accusations are just political maneuvering.”
Public Reaction and Social Media Frenzy
The public backlash has been significant, with social media platforms buzzing with debates on the issue. The hashtags #SoniaGandhiInsultsMurmu and #RespectThePresident trended on Twitter, with netizens expressing outrage over the comment.
📌 On Twitter:
🔹 “Sonia Gandhi’s words are not just an insult to President Murmu but also an affront to women in leadership. This is a new low in Indian politics.” – @RaviGoswami
🔹 “The Gandhi family must apologize for their disrespectful remarks. We cannot allow such hate to flourish in our democracy.” – @AnjaliPatel
Many prominent social media users also criticized the BJP’s reaction, arguing that the party is using this issue to divert attention from other important national issues.
Possible Legal Outcomes
Legal experts suggest that the complaint could lead to criminal proceedings under Section 509 (Word or gesture intended to insult the modesty of a woman) and Section 124A (Sedition) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).
While some legal scholars believe that the case could languish in the courts due to lack of sufficient evidence, others predict that the political climate could drive it toward serious legal consequences.
Conclusion: A Growing Political Storm
The complaint against Sonia Gandhi has turned into a full-blown political storm, with both the Congress and BJP accusing each other of disrespecting institutions and leaders. As the matter unfolds, the Congress party will need to address this controversy while balancing its commitment to women’s empowerment and tribal rights—values that President Murmu has long championed.
Whether the complaint will lead to legal action or be swept aside as political rhetoric remains to be seen. What is clear is that the remark has intensified the rivalry between the Congress and BJP as both parties prepare for the upcoming elections.
