New Delhi [India], February 4 : Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MPs from the tribal community have filed a breach of privilege notice against Congress parliamentary party leader Sonia Gandhi over her "poor thing" remarks against President Droupadi Murmu.
They alleged that the Rajya Sabha MP's words were a manifestation of her "elitist" and "anti-tribal" mindset.
In the letter, the ruling party's MPs demanded disciplinary action against Gandhi citing parliamentary ethics and code of conduct. They said that the veteran Congress leader was yet to understand the "struggle and sensitivity of a tribal poor".
"It is with deep concern that we highlight this statement, which appears to demean the stature and dignity of the President of India, the highest constitutional authority of our nation. Such remarks not only undermine the dignity of the office but also violate the sanctity of parliamentary procedures and conventions," the letter addressed to the Rajya Sabha Chairman on Monday read.
While requesting action against Sonia Gandhi, the MPs stated that taking cognizance of this matter and initiating disciplinary action was imperative not only to uphold the sanctity of parliamentary rules but also to reinforce the "principles of decorum".
"We humbly urge you to take cognizance of this matter and initiate appropriate disciplinary action against Smt. Sonia Gandhi. Such action is imperative not only to uphold the sanctity of parliamentary rules but also to reinforce the principles of decorum and mutual respect that are foundational to the effective functioning of our democratic institutions," the MPs said in their letter.
BJP MPs moved a privilege motion after Sonia Gandhi stoked a controversy, saying that the President "could hardly speak, poor thing."
"The President was getting very tired by the end...She could hardly speak, poor thing," Sonia Gandhi told reporters.
Her remarks came after President Murmu jointly addressed both Houses of the Parliament, commencing the Budget session 2025-26. In her address, she stated that with the efforts of the government, India is going to become the third biggest economy in the world.