Niyati Goel/
Former MP and Congress leader Udit Raj on Wednesday (Oct 5,2022) stoked controversy for his “no country should get such a President” remark. The BJP came down heavily and called it an “anti-tribal mindset”.
Earlier this week, President Murmu had noted in a civic reception hosted by the Government of Gujarat in her honour that the state produces 76 per cent of the country’s salt and added on a lighter that “the salt produced in Gujarat is consumed by all Indians”.
Udit narayan took to Twitter and wrote, “No country should get a President like Droupadi Murmu ji. Sycophancy also has its limits. She said that 70% of people eat salt from Gujarat. If you live life by eating salt yourself, you will know.” After this remark BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra stated, “Words used for President Murmu by Congress leader Udit Raj are worrisome, unfortunate. This isn’t the 1st time they’ve used such words. Congress’ Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury did it too. This reflects their anti-tribal mindset.” Also BJP’s Shehzad Poonawalla took to Twitter and wrote, “After Ajoy Kumar called President Draupadi Murmu as evil & then Adhir Ranjan Chaudhary used the term “Rashtrapatni” now Congress stoops to a new low! Udit Raj uses unacceptable language for the 1st woman Adivasi President! Does the Congress endorse this insult of Adviasi samaj?”
Following his statement Udit Raj issued a clarification on Thursday and stated, “My statement as regard to Draupadi Murmuji is mine & nothing to do with Congress. Her candidature & campaign were in the name adivasi, it doesn’t mean she is no longer adivasi. My heart cries that when SC/ST reach to higher position, they ditch their communities & become mum.” Then The National Commission for Women (NCW) on Thursday sent a notice to Congress leader Udit Raj pertaining to his statement regarding President Droupadi Murmu. The commission further asked him to apologise for the same.