Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday praised President Droupadi Murmu’s address to the joint session of Parliament, highlighting her vision for an India where youth have the best opportunities to thrive. He commended the President for presenting a clear and inspiring roadmap toward achieving the nation’s goals of unity, progress, and development.
In a post on X, PM Modi wrote, “Her address encapsulated the vision for an India where youth have the best opportunities to flourish. The address also included inspiring roadmaps for achieving the goals we have set with a spirit of unity and determination.”
The Prime Minister further emphasized that President Murmu’s speech outlined a resonant path toward building a “Viksit Bharat” (developed India) through inclusive and futuristic development across all sectors. He added that the address underscored the importance of initiatives for comprehensive growth, both immediate and long-term.
However, the event was overshadowed by controversy when Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi made comments about President Murmu’s speech. Gandhi, speaking to reporters, remarked, “The President was getting very tired by the end… She could hardly speak, poor thing.”
These comments sparked strong reactions from the BJP, which condemned the remarks as “elitist, anti-poor, and anti-tribal.” BJP President JP Nadda posted on X, stating, “I and every BJP Karyakarta strongly condemn the usage of the phrase ‘poor thing’ by Smt. Sonia Gandhi for Honourable President of India, Droupadi Murmu Ji. The deliberate usage of such words shows the elitist, anti-poor and anti-tribal nature of the Congress Party.” He further called for an apology from Congress to President Murmu and India’s tribal communities.
BJP MP Sambit Patra also criticized Gandhi’s comments, stressing that President Murmu is neither tired nor diminished. “The Honourable President is empowered, strong, and has served in important positions. Sonia Gandhi’s remarks were inappropriate,” Patra stated.
The Budget session of Parliament began with President Murmu’s speech, in which she reiterated the government’s commitment to all-around development. She highlighted the government’s “saturation approach” to ensure that no citizen is left behind in the country’s journey toward becoming a “Viksit Bharat.”
In her address, President Murmu also praised the government’s strides toward defense self-reliance, noting the global recognition of Made-in-India defense products. She remarked, “The country has taken several historic steps to protect our borders and ensure internal security… From Make in India, we have moved to make for the world.”
Following the President’s speech, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Economic Survey for 2024-25 in both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. After the presentation, both houses were adjourned for the day. The Union Budget will be presented on February 1, with the Finance Minister outlining fiscal policies, revenue proposals, and key reforms in her budget speech.
The Budget session of Parliament is scheduled to run from January 31 to April 4.
