Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday praised the joint Parliament address delivered by President Droupadi Murmu, applauding her vision for a prosperous India where the youth have the best opportunities to thrive. In his remarks, PM Modi highlighted that President Murmu’s speech presented an inspiring roadmap for achieving the nation’s goals with unity and determination, while outlining the path toward building a developed India (Viksit Bharat).
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.” He further emphasized that President Murmu’s speech focused on key initiatives across various sectors and underscored the importance of all-around development for a bright future.
The Prime Minister praised the President’s emphasis on futuristic development and her call for a “saturation approach” to ensure no one is left behind in the nation’s journey to becoming a Viksit Bharat. “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,” PM Modi added.
However, the event was overshadowed by controversy when Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi made remarks about President Murmu’s speech. Speaking to reporters, Sonia Gandhi commented, “The President could hardly speak, poor thing. She was getting very tired by the end… She could hardly speak, poor thing.”
The BJP strongly condemned Gandhi’s comments, accusing her of displaying elitist, anti-poor, and anti-tribal sentiments. BJP President JP Nadda took to X to express his disapproval, 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 demanded an apology from the Congress Party to President Murmu and India’s tribal communities.
BJP MP Sambit Patra also criticized Gandhi’s remarks, calling them inappropriate and stating that President Murmu is neither tired nor bowed down.
President Murmu delivered an address to the joint session of Parliament. She highlighted the government’s focus on all-round development, stressing that the nation’s singular aim is to become a Viksit Bharat. She also emphasized the government’s “saturation approach” to ensure inclusive growth, leaving no one behind.
In addition to her vision for a developed India, President Murmu praised the government’s strides in achieving self-reliance in the defense sector. She pointed to the success of the “Made in India” defense products going global and noted the country’s historic steps to safeguard its borders and ensure internal security. “From Make in India, we have moved to make for the world,” the President said.
Meanwhile, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman tabled the Economic Survey for 2024-25 in the Lok Sabha on the same day. Following this, both Houses were adjourned for the day. The Union Budget for 2025-26 will be presented on February 1, with the Finance Minister outlining the government’s fiscal policies, revenue and expenditure proposals, taxation reforms, and other significant announcements.
