President Droupadi Murmu congratulated the newly-elected members of the 18th Lok Sabha on Thursday, expressing her confidence that they would prioritize the nation in their duties.
In her address to the joint session of Parliament, President Murmu stated, “I congratulate all the newly-elected members of the 18th Lok Sabha. You all have come here by winning the trust of the country’s voters. Very few get this opportunity to serve the nation and the people. I have full faith that you would fulfill your duties with a feeling of nation first.”
She also announced that the upcoming session will feature the first budget of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s third term, which she described as “an impressive document of far-reaching policies and futuristic vision of the government.”
#WATCH | President Droupadi Murmu addresses a joint session of both Houses of Parliament.
She says, "The pledge of reform, perform and transform has made India the fastest-growing economy in the world. In 10 years, India rose from the 11th position to become the 5th largest… pic.twitter.com/KLt1OiI6Vi
— ANI (@ANI) June 27, 2024
“In this budget, along with major economic and social decisions, many historical steps are also to be seen,” President Murmu added.
Highlighting the trust placed in the Modi government, President Murmu noted that a stable government with a complete majority has been formed in India after six decades. “People have shown trust in this government for the third time. People are aware that only this government can fulfill their aspirations,” she said.
She pointed out that the 18th Lok Sabha is significant as it was formed during the early years of Amrit Kaal and will witness the 56th year of the adoption of the Constitution.
#WATCH | President Droupadi Murmu addresses a joint session of both Houses of Parliament.
She says, "On behalf of crores of countrymen, I would like to express gratitude Election Commission of India. This was the biggest election in the world…Decades-long records of voting… pic.twitter.com/y9FivjKybK
— ANI (@ANI) June 27, 2024
President Murmu also emphasized the economic progress India has made, rising from the 11th to the 5th largest economy in the past decade. “The pledge of reform, perform and transform has made India the fastest-growing economy in the world. Despite a pandemic and conflicts in different parts of the world, India has been able to achieve this growth rate. This became possible due to the reforms and decisions taken in national interest in the last 10 years,” she said.
#WATCH | President Droupadi Murmu addresses a joint session of both Houses of Parliament, she says "A stable government with a complete majority has been formed in the country after six decades. People have shown trust in this Govt for the third time. People are aware that only… pic.twitter.com/kpt5OzM0Vx
— ANI (@ANI) June 27, 2024
She asserted, “Today, India contributes to 15 percent of the global growth. My government is working towards making India the third largest economy in the world.”
The President also praised the Election Commission of India for conducting what she called “the biggest election in the world.” She highlighted that decades-long records of voting have been broken in Jammu and Kashmir, countering the narratives propagated by India’s adversaries.
Addressing the agricultural sector, President Murmu stated, “My government has provided Rs 3.20 lakh crores to the farmers of the country under PM Kisan Samman Nidhi. Since the beginning of the new term of my government, an amount of more than Rs 20,000 crores has been transferred to the farmers. The government has also made a record increase in the MSP for Kharif crops.”
#WATCH | President Droupadi Murmu addresses a joint session of both Houses of Parliament, she says "My Govt has provided Rs 3.20 lakh crores to the farmers of the country under PM Kisan Samman Nidhi. Since the beginning of the new term of my government, an amount of more than Rs… pic.twitter.com/EMNGRjXV1z
— ANI (@ANI) June 27, 2024
Upon her arrival at Parliament on Thursday, President Murmu received the Guard of Honour. She was welcomed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the presiding officers of the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha at the Gaja Dwar of the Parliament building, where she was escorted to the Lower House chamber with the traditional sceptre ‘Sengol’ leading the way.
As per Article 87 of the Constitution, the President is required to address a joint session of Parliament at the beginning of the session after each Lok Sabha election. The President also addresses a joint sitting of both Houses – Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha – in the first session of the Parliament every year.
Following the President’s speech, a motion of thanks will be moved in both Houses of Parliament, which will be debated by members. PM Modi is expected to respond to the debate on the motion of thanks on July 2-3.