Should Kharge Apologize to President Murmu?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Political tensions have escalated due to Kharge's comments.
- BJP leaders are demanding accountability for perceived disrespect towards tribal identities.
- The controversy underscores ongoing issues related to representation in Indian politics.
- Public sentiment is sensitive regarding comments made about marginalized communities.
- Calls for an apology reflect deeper societal issues regarding respect and recognition.
New Delhi, July 8 (NationPress) A new political uproar ensued on Tuesday after Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge made controversial comments that seemingly demeaned President Droupadi Murmu and her predecessor, Ram Nath Kovind. This incited strong backlash from BJP leaders, who condemned the Congress party as anti-women, anti-Dalit, and anti-tribal.
Senior BJP figure and former Chief Minister of Jharkhand, Arjun Munda, criticized Kharge, questioning his inability to even pronounce the President’s name correctly.
“Kharge ji is a senior leader. How can he mispronounce the name of the President of India? What message does this convey? Is this the respect Congress holds for a tribal woman who has achieved the highest constitutional office?” Munda remarked to IANS.
Munda further alleged, “During their time in power, Congress never considered appointing a tribal leader as President. They even opposed Murmu’s nomination. Now they are falsely claiming that she was elected to exploit tribal lands; this is not only untrue but also deeply offensive.”
BJP leaders characterized the remarks as a deliberate attempt to undermine a proud tribal identity, asserting that Kharge's comments have harmed the sentiments of millions of tribal citizens nationwide, and they demanded an apology from him.
Echoing similar concerns, BJP MLA from Maharashtra, Atul Bhatalkar, criticized Kharge, stating, “This isn’t the first time Congress has insulted President Murmu. When Prime Minister Modi appointed a tribal woman as President, it was a historic achievement. Yet, Congress has not been able to accept it. They have previously made disparaging remarks regarding her skin color, and now Kharge, the party president, has crossed all boundaries.”
He added, “This clearly reflects Congress's true attitude. It is anti-women, anti-Dalit, and anti-tribal. Kharge must apologize to President Murmu and the nation. That is our unequivocal demand.”
The Congress party has not yet addressed the BJP’s requests for an apology.