Raipur | PortalNews.in Bureau | July 9, 2025
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge stirred controversy during a speech in Raipur, Chhattisgarh, after mispronouncing the names of President Droupadi Murmu and her predecessor Ram Nath Kovind, sparking sharp criticism from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Kharge’s Verbal Slip: ‘Murma’ and ‘Covid’
While addressing a gathering at the Science Ground in Raipur, Kharge, while speaking on the issue of deforestation and alleged land grabs, first referred to the President as “Murma ji” before correcting himself to say “Murmu”. Moments later, he mistakenly referred to former President Ram Nath Kovind as “Covid“.
The gaffes came during a statement accusing the BJP and its corporate allies of exploiting tribal land:
“They (BJP) say they made (Droupadi) Murma President, (Ram Nath) Covid President, but why? To steal our jal, jungle, and zameen (water, forest, and land). Today, people like Adani and Ambani are occupying it,” Kharge said.
BJP’s Sharp Reaction
The BJP strongly condemned Kharge’s remarks, terming them disrespectful and offensive, particularly towards tribal and Dalit communities.
Party spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia accused the Congress chief of using “objectionable words” for President Murmu:
“The Congress president has used objectionable language against the first tribal woman President of India. The entire tribal community is outraged. He even called former President Kovind ‘Covid’.”
BJP leader Shehzad Poonawalla added that the remarks revealed a “deep-seated prejudice” within Congress:
“Calling Murmu ji ‘Murma’, Kovind ji ‘Covid’, and labeling them land grabbers reflects Congress’s contempt for the SC and ST communities.”
Poonawalla further criticized the Congress for what he called a consistent pattern of undermining constitutional authorities:
“Congress has not spared even the Chief Justice, Prime Minister, or the President. This is their political tradition.”
Political Fallout
Kharge’s remarks have sparked debate over political decorum and respect for constitutional positions, with BJP framing it as a reflection of Congress’s alleged anti-tribal and anti-Dalit mindset.
As of now, the Congress party has not issued a formal clarification on the gaffe.