Parliament Budget Session: Lok Sabha adjourned for the day after President Murmu's address | HIGHLIGHTED

On Interim Union Budget 2024, Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi said, "My expectation is what the BJP government has been doing for the past 10 years, which is offering more SOPs to those industrialist who are close to PM Modi. I believe in the budget there would be policy decisions which would benefit those very select industrialists...For the poor & middle class, we will only be treated to sound bytes and well-intentioned words that will change daily life nothing will make a difference. The poor & middle class would get 'Jumlas'."

On President Droupadi Murmu's speech, Congress MP Manickam Tagore said, "President of India's address, she read from the Government of India which is under PM Modi. She gave a speech about their achievements. But the real problem is the 80 crore people who are lining up for their everyday food. The price rise is historic."

On President Droupadi Murmu's speech, Union Minister and president of RLJP Pashupati Kumar Paras said, "President's speech was about the benefit of all sections. We are happy with her address."

"Today is a big day for me. Today I took an oath that my life will be dedicated to the country... I am an activist, and I will always be an activist. I will always raise the issues from the ground level...If all the MPs of the opposition will be suspended then who will question the government. So suspending the opposition MPs is a sad thing," said Rajya Sabha MP Swati Maliwal.

Congress President and Leader of Opposition Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge said that the President's speech was only about praising PM Modi and their government. It was a propaganda, advertisement for PM Modi and a political speech, he said. "There was nothing related to employment mentioned in the President's speech... This was a document to entrap the poor," Kharge added. 

Lok Sabha proceedings adjourned for the day after tabling of President Droupadi Murmu's address to joint sitting of both Houses. 

Former DCW chief Swati Maliwal took oath as a Rajya Sabha Member. She was nominated by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP).

Founder-Chancellor of Chandigarh University, Satnam Singh Sandhu takes oath as a member of the Rajya Sabha. He was nominated to the House by President Droupadi Murmu.

After the completion of President Murmu's speech, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar is addressing the joint session of Parliament. 

Highlighting the role of the newly-constructed Ram Temple, President Droupadi Murmu stated that around 13 lakh devotees have taken darshan at Ayodhya Dham after 'Pran Pratishtha'. "Tourism is a sector that provides employment opportunities to the youth. A record number of tourists are reaching the northeast region. There is excitement among people about the Andaman Islands and Lakshadweep," she added.  

President Droupadi Murmu affirmed the government's commitment to bolstering modern infrastructure along the borders, ensuring the safety and security of the nation. She acknowledged the steadfast response of the Armed Forces against terrorism and expansionist threats. The tangible outcomes of the government's efforts for internal peace are evident, with a notable atmosphere of security prevailing in Jammu & Kashmir. Additionally, there has been a substantial reduction in incidents of Naxal violence, showcasing the effectiveness of measures taken to foster peace and stability within the country, she added. 

President Droupadi Murmu said that the government has also taken care of those who were far away from development, so far. In the last 10 years, electricity and road connectivity reached for the first time in thousands of tribal villages, she remarked. "Lakhs of tribal families have started getting clean water through pipelines only now. Under a special drive, my government is taking 4G internet connectivity to thousands of tribal-dominated villages...In tribal families, several generations have suffered from sickle cell anaemia. For the first time, a national mission has been started for this. Around 1.40 crore have had checkups under this, so far," she added. 

President Droupadi Murmu reflected on the tumultuous years marked by two major wars and the unprecedented challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite these global crises, she underscored the government's accomplishment in maintaining control over inflation in the country, ensuring that the burden on the common citizens did not escalate. This resilience in the face of adversity showcases a commitment to economic stability and the well-being of the people, she added. 

President Murmu highlighted the fulfilment of long-awaited projects crucial for national interest, bringing joy to the citizens. She articulates the government's vision, emphasizing the four cornerstones for building a developed India: the potent forces of youth, the resilience of women, the backbone of farmers, and the upliftment of the underprivileged. This strategic framework underscored the commitment to a comprehensive and inclusive development agenda, she added. 

President Droupadi Murmu emphasised the evolving strengths of 'Make in India' and 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat', highlighting their pivotal role in the nation's progress. She commended the significant achievement in defence production, surpassing the remarkable milestone of Rs 1 lakh crore, signalling a noteworthy stride towards self-reliance in the defence sector. The President also underscored the transformative impact of these initiatives, positioning them as key contributors to India's economic resilience and self-sufficiency goals.

President Murmu hailed Prime Minister Narendra Modi for banning the 'Triple Talaq'. She also went on to laud India's economic growth and commended the government for uplifting as many as 25 crore people out of poverty. "The achievements that we see today are the extension of the practices of the last 10 years. We heard the slogan of 'Gareebi Hatao' since our childhood. Today, for the first time in our lives, we see poverty being alleviated on a large scale," she added. 

In her address at the joint sitting, President Murmy said that the dream of the Ram Mandir has been achieved during this Amrit Kaal. She also said that last year was full of accomplishments for India. "There were many successes - India became the fastest-growing economy. India became the first nation to reach the south pole of the Moon. The successful G20 Summit hosted by India strengthened the role of India in the world. India won more than 100 medals in Asian Games. India also got the Atal Tunnel," she added. 

Addressing the joint sitting ahead of the Budget Session, President Murmu said that the new Parliament building has the fragrance of 'Ek Bharat, Shreshth Bharat'. "This is my first address in the new Parliament building. The new Parliament building also has the resolve to honour democratic and parliamentary traditions. Besides this, it also has the resolve to build new traditions of the new India of the 21st century. I am confident that there will be meaningful conversation on policies, in this new building," she said. 

President Droupadi Murmu is addressing the joint sitting of Parliament ahead of the Budget Session. 

President Droupadi Murmu reached Parliament. She was welcomed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla. 

President Droupadi Murmu departed from Rashtrapati Bhavan for the Parliament building.  The Budget Session will begin with her address to the joint sitting of both Houses. This will be her first address in the new Parliament building.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed confidence that his government would present the full budget after regaining power post-Lok Sabha elections this year. "We are going to follow the tradition of presenting a full budget after the new government is formed," he added. 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the media ahead of the Budget Session of Parliament. "At the end of the first session that was convened in this new Parliament building, the Parliament took a graceful decision - Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam. After that, on 26th Jan we saw how the country experienced the capability of Nari Shakti, its valour, the strength of its resolve. Today, when the budget session begins, President Drouapdi Murmu's guidance and tomorrow when Nirmala Sitharaman presents the interim budget - in a way this is a festival of the Nari Shakti," he added. 

Congress leader K Suresh said the party would raise the issue of unemployment, high inflation, agrarian distress, and the situation in ethnic violence-hit Manipur during the session. Meanwhile, Trinamool Congress leader Sudip Bandyopadhyay said the finance minister should include the pending dues to West Bengal on account of various central schemes in the Interim Budget.

An interim budget serves as a provisional financial statement issued by the government, typically presented in an election year. Differing from a complete annual budget, the interim budget is designed to address a shorter timeframe, bridging the gap until a new government is established post-elections. This budget provides a snapshot of the government's revenue and spending for a portion of the fiscal year, enabling it to manage its financial obligations until the new administration introduces a comprehensive budget.

During President Murmu's address, a wide range of topics, spanning political, cultural, and economic aspects, is expected to be covered. The focus will be on showcasing the government's accomplishments during the 10-year tenure under Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Meanwhile, political observers will be particularly interested in the announcements by Sitharaman preceding the polls. Despite Parliament approving only an interim budget for the remaining government tenure, the minister might put forth various proposals targeting different voter demographics. The aim would be to underscore the government's plans in the event of reelection and appeal to diverse voting blocs.