NEW DELHI: Sonia Gandhi’s comments on President Droupadi Murmu’s speech during the opening of Parliament’s Budget Session have sparked controversy. She told reporters, " It is Poor thing, the President could hardly speak"
During her parliamentary speech, President Droupadi Murmu highlighted the government’s focus on development, aiming for a 'Viksit Bharat' or Developed India. She emphasized that the government’s approach was to ensure that no one is left behind in the journey towards national progress.
President Murmu also praised India’s growing defense strengths, saying how the country has moved from "Make in India" to "Make for the world," as Indian-made defense products are now gaining international recognition. President also said regarding the completion of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla railway project, which will connect Kashmir to Kanyakumari by rail.
President Murmu also focused on the progress in the northeast region, mentioning the first Ashtalakshmi Mahotsav and efforts to improve health services, like the establishment of 1.75 lakh 'Arogya Mandirs' and the reduction in the custom duties for cancer medicines.
On cybersecurity, she pointed out India’s growing success in addressing digital fraud and cybercrime, with India achieving Tier-1 status in the Global Cybersecurity Index. She also mentioned the government’s support for businesses through schemes like the Credit Guarantee Scheme for MSMEs and e-commerce export hubs. Lastly, she highlighted the success of India’s UPI system for digital transactions.
Meanwhile, Purnea MP Pappu Yadav also joined the row, calling President Murmu seems to be a rubber stamp of the government. In another tone, BJP national spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia mentioned the remark exposed the low-level character and the gutter politics of the Congress.
President Droupadi Murmu a joint session of Parliamentary address is underway today, marking the start of the Budget Session. Her speech began 11 am. Following this, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman set to present the Economic Survey 2024-25 in both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha.
This report, prepared by the Department of Economic Affairs, provides a detailed analysis of India's economy in the 2024-25 fiscal year, along with projections for the upcoming year.
The first part of the Budget Session will go on till February 13, after which both Houses will re-assemble on 10th March and adjourn on 4th April .