Overview

• On July 8, BJP spokespeople Gaurav Bhatia, Shehzad Poonawalla and CR Kesavan held press briefings demanding Kharge’s resignation and a written apology for referring to President Murmu as “Murma ji” and former President Kovind as “Covid”
• Congress leader Pawan Khera defended Kharge’s remarks on protecting tribal water, forests and land and accused the BJP of using agencies like the ED and Income Tax Department to intimidate opponents
• At the July 7 Raipur rally, Kharge accused the BJP-led central and Chhattisgarh governments of eroding constitutional norms, marginalizing farmers and soldiers, and enabling corporate land grabs in tribal areas
• The BJP characterized Kharge’s slip-ups and allegations as evidence of an anti-Dalit and anti-Adivasi mindset within Congress, turning the row into a debate over disrespecting constitutional offices
• With no resolution, both parties are leveraging the controversy over institutional respect and minority rights to rally supporters ahead of key state elections