The Budget Session of 2025 began with controversy when Congress MP Sonia Gandhi made a remark about President Droupadi Murmu, calling her a "poor thing" after the President's speech in Parliament. Gandhi's comment, made while speaking to reporters outside Parliament, was in reference to the exhaustion Murmu appeared to show after delivering her customary address. The remark was immediately condemned by the BJP, who described it as a "derogatory comment" and demanded an apology from Gandhi.

President Murmu had delivered a speech marking the opening of the Budget Session, where she highlighted the achievements of the government, including the progress in various sectors like aviation, railways, and agriculture. Her address was well-received in many quarters, but Gandhi’s remark raised tensions. Rahul Gandhi was also present and assisted his mother by asking whether the speech had been “boring” and repetitive, further fueling the controversy.

The BJP reacted strongly, accusing Congress of displaying disrespect towards the President and mocking the empowerment of women and backward classes. BJP leaders, including JP Nadda and Sukanta Majumdar, condemned the remark, pointing out that President Murmu, as an Adivasi woman, symbolized a transformation under the Modi government's leadership. Congress has yet to respond to the BJP’s charges, and the controversy highlights ongoing partisan divides in Indian politics.