What’s in a name? How Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury’s ‘rashtrapatni’ saga unfolded

Congress MP Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury came under fire after he referred to President Droupadi Murmu as 'rashtrapatni' in a video clip.

Congress MP Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury sent a letter to the Speaker on Friday explaining himself after a row erupted over his ‘rashtrapatni’ remark towards President Droupadi Murmu. In the letter, he wrote that he has the highest regard for the president and that the controversy erupted because of a “mere slip of tongue” on his part.

Earlier in the day, he had also written a letter to the president seeking an apology from her. There too, he insisted that the remark was a result of a “slip of the tongue” and requested her to accept his apology.

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The Congress leader came under fire after he referred to President Murmu as ‘rashtrapatni’ in a video clip. His remark was heavily criticised by BJP MPs who protested in Parliament and demanded an apology.

Union ministers Smriti Irani and Nirmala Sitharaman were among some of the BJP leaders who demanded that Congress President Sonia Gandhi apologise for Chowdhury’s remark. Smriti Irani on Thursday said Sonia Gandhi sanctioned the humiliation of Droupadi Murmu and added that congress workers under Sonia's leadership continue to demean women in constitutional posts.

Things got heated between the two leaders and Sonia Gandhi told Smriti Irani "don't talk to me" after the latter intervened in a conversation between Sonia and BJP leader Rama Devi.

Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury responded to the complaints against him and said the whole incident was blown out of proportion by the BJP. He further questioned why Sonia Gandhi’s name was dragged into the controversy.