In a nation as diverse and democratic as India, respect for constitutional authorities is paramount. The office of the President is the highest constitutional position in the country, symbolizing unity, integrity, and the values enshrined in our democracy. Any attempt to undermine the dignity of this office is not just disrespectful to the individual holding the position but also an insult to the democratic framework that governs India.
Recently, Congress leader Sonia Gandhi’s remarks about President Droupadi Murmu terming her ‘weak’ and ‘poor thing’ have sparked controversy, not just for their content but for the manner in which they were delivered. If Sonia Gandhi truly had concerns or differing opinions, the least she could have done was express them respectfully—either by visiting President Murmu or extending a courtesy call. However, her decision to air her views through the media, using words that came across as condescending and derogatory, raises serious questions about her intent.
Sonia Gandhi has long been perceived as the matriarch of the Congress party, a position that has allowed her to wield immense influence over the party’s ideology and political strategies. However, this influence has also, at times, translated into an attitude of entitlement, particularly when it comes to individuals who do not align with her party’s vision. President Droupadi Murmu, being India’s first tribal woman President, represents a shift in the power dynamics of the country—one that the Congress leadership seems unwilling to acknowledge with the respect it deserves.
If Sonia Gandhi had genuine empathy for President Murmu, she would have engaged in a dignified and direct conversation. Instead, her choice to make a public statement—one that reeked of elitism and condescension—exposes a deeper issue: the Congress party’s discomfort with a leader who does not fit into its traditional power structures.
This is not the first time that senior Congress leaders have shown a lack of respect for constitutional figures. In the past, there have been multiple instances where leaders from the party have made uncharitable remarks about sitting Presidents, Prime Ministers, and even Supreme Court judges.
Congress leaders have often ridiculed the highest offices in the country, using terms that diminish the stature of those who have been democratically elected or appointed. The pattern is clear—anyone who does not align with their worldview is either dismissed or insulted. President Murmu, being an independent voice and a symbol of empowerment for marginalized communities, has faced similar treatment from the Congress leadership.
The irony in Sonia Gandhi’s remarks is that the Congress party frequently positions itself as the defender of democracy, inclusivity, and constitutional values. However, its actions often contradict these claims. When it suits their narrative, Congress leaders demand respect for institutions, but when a non-Congress leader occupies a significant position, they resort to demeaning rhetoric.
If the Congress party genuinely believed in democratic principles, it would have celebrated the elevation of a tribal woman to the highest constitutional office rather than undermining her with snide remarks. The lack of respect for President Murmu is not just an insult to her as an individual but to the millions of Indians, especially from tribal communities, who see her as a symbol of hope and progress.
Politics, despite its inherent rivalries, must be conducted with a sense of decorum and respect for institutions. Healthy criticism is essential in a democracy, but there is a fine line between critique and outright disrespect. Sonia Gandhi’s recent comments have crossed that line, making it imperative for political leaders across parties to set a better precedent.
If Sonia Gandhi had a differing perspective, the right approach would have been to engage President Murmu in a respectful dialogue. A letter, a meeting, or even a formal request for discussion would have reflected a mature approach. Instead, the chosen method of public belittling does little more than highlight the Congress party’s outdated and hierarchical mindset.
The people of India are increasingly aware of the double standards in political discourse. They have seen how the Congress party has treated leaders from diverse backgrounds—especially those who rise to prominence outside its patronage. President Droupadi Murmu’s journey from a humble background to the Rashtrapati Bhavan is inspirational, and any attempt to demean her is an attempt to belittle the aspirations of millions of Indians who see her as a role model.
Sonia Gandhi’s words have rightly drawn criticism from various quarters, and the demand for an apology is justified. The office of the President deserves respect, irrespective of political affiliations. It is time that Congress leaders, especially those in top positions, acknowledge this and conduct themselves with the dignity expected in a democracy.
Sonia Gandhi’s remarks about President Droupadi Murmu were not just a political misstep; they were a reflection of a deeper disregard for those who do not belong to the Congress ecosystem. If she truly had concerns or disagreements, there were far more respectful ways to express them. By choosing to be condescending, she has exposed not just her personal biases but also the entrenched elitism within the Congress party.
Disrespecting the President of India is unacceptable, and such behavior must be condemned unequivocally. The people of India will remember these moments, and they will make their voices heard where it matters most—at the ballot box.
