New Delhi: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has demanded a public apology from Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge over his recent remarks referring to President Droupadi Murmu and former President Ram Nath Kovind, accusing the Congress of having an “anti-Dalit, anti-Adivasi” mindset.
While addressing a public event in Chhattisgarh on Monday, Kharge criticized the BJP, accusing the ruling party of “looting the poor” and depriving people of their “assets, forests, and land.” However, controversy erupted over his mispronunciation of President Murmu as “Murma ji” and Kovind as “Covid”, which BJP leaders have slammed as derogatory and disrespectful.
In the video of his speech, shared by the BJP, Kharge is heard saying:
“The BJP always speaks about making (Droupadi) Murmu ji and (Ram Nath) Kovind ji presidents of the country. But did the party do all this to snatch our assets, forests, water and land?”
BJP: Congress Has “Anti-Constitutional” Mindset
BJP national spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia lashed out at the Congress leader, saying Kharge had used “objectionable words” that insult the highest constitutional office and hurt the sentiments of Dalits and Adivasis.
“You called Ram Nath Kovind ji ‘Covid’ and referred to President Murmu as ‘Murma ji’. You then alleged that she became President to snatch land and assets. This shows the Congress’s anti-Dalit, anti-Adivasi and anti-Constitution mindset,” Bhatia said.
He demanded that Kharge issue a public apology and accused the Congress of systematically disrespecting marginalized communities throughout history.
“If the Congress and Mallikarjun Kharge do not apologise, every citizen will express their anger. This mistake will cost Congress dearly,” Bhatia warned.
Congress Facing Widespread Criticism
BJP leader CR Kesavan, also a national spokesperson, called Kharge’s remarks a “venomous and diabolical attack” on President Murmu and former President Kovind.
“For the Congress party, not Dalit welfare but only dynastic welfare has always been the top priority,” he said in a post on X.
Kesavan further alleged that the Congress had consistently disrespected meritorious leaders from marginalized communities. He pointed to the delay in awarding Bharat Ratna to Dr B.R. Ambedkar, and past comments made by Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi.
“The people of this nation reject the Congress party repeatedly due to its ‘Dalit Virodhi’ mindset,” he added.
Kharge Accused of Being “Remote-Controlled” by Rahul Gandhi
Bhatia also accused Kharge of acting under the influence of Rahul Gandhi, calling him a “remote-controlled president.”
“He made these objectionable remarks at the behest of Rahul Gandhi. The entire nation, including Dalit and Adivasi communities, condemns such language,” Bhatia said.
Background on the Event
Kharge was speaking at a tribal event in Chhattisgarh, urging unity against what he described as “BJP’s authoritarian rule” and their control over natural resources. His comments were meant to underscore tribal and marginalized rights but have since sparked a fierce political backlash due to the mispronunciations and implications attributed to them.