"Murma Ji and Covid": Congress Chief Mallikarjun Kharge's Gaffes Ignite Political Firestorm

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge drew heavy criticism from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) after mispronouncing the names of President Droupadi Murmu and former President Ram Nath Kovind during a rally in Chhattisgarh, reported India Today.

While attacking the BJP over forest land issues, Kharge referred to President Murmu as “Murma ji” before correcting himself. Seconds later, he said “Covid” instead of 'Kovind'.

As per a Times Of India report, in his speech, Kharge questioned the BJP’s motives behind appointing tribal and Dalit leaders as President, “You just talk big: we made Murma ji President of India, we made (Ram Nath) Kovind President. Yes, you do. But why? To snatch our borders, to snatch our bundles, to stop our water. They have done this to snatch our land.”

The BJP accused Kharge of insulting India’s highest constitutional office and demanded an apology. BJP spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia said: “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 stated that the words highlighted the Congress party's "anti-Dalit, anti-Adivasi, and anti-Constitution mindset." "If the Congress and Mallikarjun Kharge do not apologize, every citizen will express their anger." "This mistake will cost Congress dearly," he warned, seeking a written apology and Kharge's resignation.

Meanwhile, Congress defended Kharge. 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.”