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Priyanka Gandhi Defends Sonia Gandhi Amid President Election Controversy

Amidst the controversy over Congress leader Sonia Gandhi's comments on President Droupadi Murmu following her Parliament speech today, Priyanka Gandhi has stepped in to defend her mother, claiming that the remarks were being misunderstood. The problem originates from a video clip in which Sonia Gandhi, speaking casually with her children, Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, remarked on President Murmu's visible fatigue after her speech. "The poor lady, the President, was getting very tired by the end... she could hardly speak, poor thing," Sonia Gandhi was heard telling. BJP leaders analyzed the comment as disrespectful, escalating tensions between the ruling party and Congress. As the criticism grew, Priyanka Gandhi elaborated that there was no malice behind her mother's statement. "My mother is a 78-year-old lady, she has simply said that 'the President read such a long speech and she must have been tired, poor thing'. She fully respects the President of India. I think it is very unfortunate that this kind of thing is twisted by the media. They both are two respected people and older than us. She means no disrespect. BJP should first apologise for pushing into a gorge," she told. The President's office also issued a formal statement condemning the remarks, calling them "unacceptable" and stating that they "clearly hurt the dignity of the high office." READ MORE - Amazon MX Player’s StreamNext event charts out the future of free entertainment in India; Unveils a slate of over 100 new shows