PM Modi Lauds President Murmu’s Address; Highlights Vision For Youth & Development

On Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised President Droupadi Murmu’s joint Parliament address. He highlighted her vision for empowering youth with greater opportunities.

PM Modi noted that her speech presented an inspiring roadmap for national progress. He emphasized unity and determination as key factors in achieving the goal of a developed India (Viksit Bharat).

Taking to X, PM Modi posted, “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 the President outlined key initiatives across various sectors. He also underscored the importance of holistic and futuristic development.

“Today’s address by Rashtrapati Ji to both Houses of Parliament was a resonant outline of our nation’s path toward building a Viksit Bharat. She highlighted initiatives across sectors and underscored the importance of all-around as well as futuristic development,” PM Modi posted on X.

However, controversy overshadowed the session after Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi commented on President Murmu’s speech.

Speaking to reporters, Sonia Gandhi stated, “The President was getting very tired by the end. She could hardly speak, poor thing.”

The BJP sharply criticized Gandhi’s remarks, labeling them ‘elitist, anti-poor, and anti-tribal’.

Taking to X, BJP President JP Nadda posted, “I and every @BJP4India Karyakarta STRONGLY CONDEMNS 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. I demand that the Congress Party unconditionally apologise to the Honourable President and the tribal communities of India.”

BJP MP Sambit Patra also criticized the remarks. He asserted that President Murmu remains neither tied nor bowed down and deemed the comment inappropriate.

The budget session of Parliament commenced with President Murmu addressing both Houses, emphasizing the government’s commitment to all-round development.

She reiterated that the country’s primary objective is to become a Viksit Bharat (Developed India). The President also emphasized that the government is working with a ‘saturation approach’ to ensure no one is left behind.

Speaking at the joint Parliament session during the Budget session, President Droupadi Murmu noted, “My government is working with Saturation Approach, so nobody is left in the journey of Vikshit Bharat. We have only one aim to become Viksit Bharat.”

Highlighting India’s growing self-reliance in the defence sector, the President lauded the government’s efforts.

“The country has taken several historic steps to protect the country’s borders and ensure internal security. The govt has also taken steps towards self-reliance in the defence sector. From Make in India, we have moved to make for the world,” President Droupadi Murmu asserted.

After her address, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman tabled the Economic Survey for 2024-25 in both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. Following this, both Houses adjourned for the day.

The Union Budget will likely presented on 1 February at 11 AM, outlining fiscal policies, revenue plans, taxation measures, and key government initiatives.

The budget session, which began on 31 January, is likely to conclude on 4 April.

Also Read: Budget Session: Parliament To Debate 16 Bills, Including Key Finance & Waqf Amendments