‘Rashtrapatni’ remarks: ‘Don’t talk to me’, says Sonia Gandhi; ‘This is not your party office’, retorts Smriti Irani

NEW DELHI: Following the controversial ‘Rashtrapatni’ remarks by Congress MP Adhir Ranjan Chowdhary, a heated debate erupted between Congress interim president Sonia Gandhi and Union Minister Smriti Irani in the Lok Sabha, on Thursday. The tensed scenes were reportedly witnessed after the house proceedings were adjourned over protests against Chowdhary’s remarks.

According to sources, the scuffle began while Sonia Gandhi was talking to BJP MP Rama Devi asking why her name was being dragged into the issue. Following which, Smriti Irani intervened into their conversation. Soon after, an agitated Gandhi said, “Don’t talk to me”. To which Irani, said “How dare you, this is not your party office”, claimed a Congress leader. The face-off between the leaders lasted for two to three minutes.

Meanwhile, Smriti Irani had earlier conducted a press conference in connection with Chowdhary’s remarks. Following which, she raised the issue in the upper house. "Sonia Gandhi sanctioned the humiliation of a poor woman who ascends to the highest office in this country. Apologise to the nation. Sonia Gandhi should apologise to the tribal, poor and women of the country”, said Irani. However, Sonia Gandhi had then responded that the it was a slip of tongue and Chowdhury has expressed regret over the incident.