NEW DELHI: The BJP on Tuesday accused Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge of insulting President Droupadi Murmu and former President Ram Nath Kovind by using what it termed “objectionable” and “derogatory” language, and demanded a public apology from both Kharge and the Congress party.The controversy stems from Kharge’s remarks at a public rally in Raipur on Monday, where he raised concerns over forest land issues and questioned the BJP’s motives behind the appointment of tribal and Dalit Presidents. “They just talk big; we made Murma ji President of India, we made (Ram Nath) Kovind President. Yes, you did, but for what? To snatch our property? To snatch our jungles? To stop our water? They have done this to snatch our land,” Kharge had said.

While he reportedly mispronounced the names of both President Murmu and her predecessor Kovind during his speech, he quickly corrected himself.However, the BJP has seized upon the remarks, alleging deliberate disrespect to India’s top constitutional officeholders.Addressing a press conference in Delhi, BJP national spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia said, “You (Kharge) talk big — you called Ram Nath Kovind ji 'covid'...

You call 'Murma ji' and then called her (President Droupadi Murmu) a land mafia, alleging that she has become President to snatch away assets, forests.”Bhatia further claimed the remarks exposed the “anti-Dalit, anti-Adivasi and anti-Constitution mindset” of the Congress party. “If the Congress and Mallikarjun Kharge do not apologise, you will see every citizen expressing their anger. This mistake will cost Congress dearly,” he warned, demanding a written apology and Kharge’s resignation.BJP also linked Kharge’s comments to past controversies involving Congress leaders. “Udit Raj said that no country should get a President like Droupadi Murmu... Adhir Chowdhury addressed the President as ‘Rashtrapatni’... Ajoy Kumar said President Murmu reflects an evil mindset,” Bhatia noted, arguing that Kharge’s latest comment was not a slip of tongue, but part of a “pattern.”Echoing the criticism, BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla said, “The comment made by Kharge ji calling President Droupadi Murmu as Murma Ji, Kovind ji as Kovid ji, then saying that they are land grabbers, reflects the deep-seated hatred Congress has for the SC and ST community.

This is the kind of tradition Congress has shown towards constitutional positions.”Congress, meanwhile, defended its president. Party leader Pawan Khera said, “What Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge has said is right, you cannot continue to exploit tribals. Whenever we question, you start showing that the President of India is a tribal. You cannot hide the misdoings against the tribals by just showing the President of India. This is the mentality you have when you deal with tribals, Dalits and minorities.

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