‘Rashtrapatni’ Remark: 10 Things To Know About The Row

Congress MP Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury referred to Droupadi Murmu, the recently elected President of India, as the "Rashtrapatni," and his remark enraged the governing Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Chowdhury was participating in a rally at Vijay Chowk when he made the remark.

Smriti Irani, Nirmala Sitharaman, and other female BJP MPs today criticised the Congress for demeaning Indian women and tribals after Congress leader Adhir Chowdhury referred to President Droupadi Murmu as "Rashtrapatni," however, Chowdhury claimed he never intended to disrespect the President of India.

Here are 10 things you need to know about the Rashtrapatni Remark Row:

- In a video, President Droupadi Murmu was referred to as "Rashtrapatni" by Congress politician Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury. However, once the remark caused a stir, he addressed the issue by stating, "I uttered it only once. It was a slip of tongue. The BJP is exaggerating the entire situation, and a pointless debate is being stirred up."

- According to Union Minister Smriti Irani, Chowdhury's remark disregarded the whole tribal population, women, the underprivileged, and the oppressed. Irani claimed that Sonia Gandhi, the head of the Congress, had "sanctioned humiliation" against her, a poor tribal woman who had held the nation's top constitutional position. She said, "Mafi mango, Sonia Gandhi (Sonia Gandhi must tender an apology).

-"A poor tribal woman is being disrespected by your male leaders," Irani said.

- Nirmala Sitharaman, the finance minister, also demanded an apology from Sonia Gandhi in the Rajya Sabha. "It was a deliberate sexist remark." "Sonia Gandhi should apologise to the nation and the president of India," said the finance minister.

- Pralhad Joshi, the minister of Union Parliamentary Affairs, also criticised the opposition and demanded an immediate apology from Adhir Chowdhury. "Both the President of India and the nation's tribal population are being insulted by this. He should apologise right now. Additionally, Sonia Gandhi should also apologise for appointing someone like him," he said.

- Moreover, Nirmala Sitharaman, the Finance Minister, and other BJP politicians protested the Congress MP's remark in front of Parliament on Thursday.

- Congress interim president Sonia Gandhi said ANI, "Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury has already apologised."

- Additionally, on Thursday, both Houses of Parliament were suspended till midday as BJP MPs demanded an apology.

Suggested Reading: MP Adhir Chowdhury ‘Rashtrapatni’ Remark ‘Sexist’, Says Nirmala Sitharaman

- Sonia Gandhi was about to depart after the house was adjourned when she decided to speak to BJP MP Rama Devi instead. According to reports, the Congress president told BJP MP Rama Devi: "Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury had previously publicly apologised. What is my fault? " Smriti Irani allegedly intervened and said, "May I help you, Madam?" I took your name. "

-"Don't talk to me," Sonia Gandhi said back.

- According to a Congress official, Sonia Gandhi and Rama Devi were "having a polite discussion" when Smriti Irani charged her with pointed fingers. "How could you? Don't behave like this, this is not your party office," Irani allegedly said to Gandhi. The Congress leader claims that Sonia Gandhi twice told Irani, "I am not speaking to you." The leader claimed that the situation grew tense after the Congress president was "heckled."

- According to later statements made by Sonia Gandhi, she only wanted to speak with Rama Devi because she knew her. " I have no fear. I went to inform her that Adhir Chowdhury had apologised and asked why he was attacking me, " she added.