Ms Irani launched a scathing attack on Sonia Gandhi, demanding an apology from her. “Sonia Gandhi sanctioned the humiliation of a woman at the highest constitutional office in the country,” she said. An irate Ms Irani also called Mrs Gandhi “anti-Adivasi, anti-Dalit, and anti-woman”. 

Another protest led by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, who has just recovered from Covid, saw her standing with fellow MPs with placards on the Parliament premises protesting the remark.

Inside the lower house, Ms Sitharaman called it a “deliberate sexist abuse” and demanded that the Congress President apologise on behalf of the party. 

“I demand an apology from the President of Congress party who herself is a woman has allowed her leader to speak like that. Sonia Gandhi should come before the nation and apologise for insulting the President,” the finance minister said in the Lok Sabha.

Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury swiftly apologised saying it was a mere slip of the tongue and the BJP is “making a mountain out of a molehill”. He accused the BJP of distracting from crucial discussions on price rise, GST, the Agnipath scheme, unemployment, and other issues.

Speaking to NDTV, Sonia Gandhi said Mr Chowdhury has already apologised.

Mr Chowdhury is the leader of the Congress in the Lok Sabha and used the remark while talking to the media during his party’s protests over a host of issues.

Ms Irani alleged that the Congress has been targeting Ms Murmu “maliciously” ever since the BJP-led NDA named her its presidential candidate, and said she was called a “puppet” and a “symbol of evil” by its leaders.

“The Congressman knew that to address the President of India in this way not only demeans her constitutional post but also the rich tribal legacy that she represents,” Smriti Irani said.

The Lok Sabha was adjourned till 12 pm amid noisy protest by the BJP.