President Murmu addresses Parliament's joint session, calls 18th Lok Sabha 'historic'

New Delhi, India

President Droupadi Murmu addressed a joint session of both Houses of Parliament and congratulated all newly-elected MPs on Thursday (June 27).

The president in her address called the 18th Lok Sabha 'historic' in many ways. "The 18th Lok Sabha is a historic Lok Sabha in many ways. This Lok Sabha was formed in the early years of the Amrit Kaal. This Lok Sabha will also be a witness to the 56th year of adoption of the Constitution of the country...In the upcoming sessions, this government is going to present the first budget of this term. This budget will be an effective document of the government's far-reaching policies and futuristic vision. Along with big economic and social decisions, many historic steps will also be seen in this budget," she said.

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The president added that the people of India are aware the incumbent can fulfil their aspirations. 

"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 this Govt can fulfil their aspirations," she said. 

Decades-long records of voting in J&K broken: President

She spoke about how Kashmir witnessed a peaceful election and commended the Election Commission of India for their work. 

"On behalf of crores of countrymen, I would like to express gratitude to the Election Commission of India. This was the biggest election in the world...Decades-long records of voting have been broken in J&K. For the past four decades, Kashmir witnessed low voting amid shutdowns and strikes. India's enemies propagated it as the opinion of Kashmir, on international forums. But this time, Kashmir valley gave a befitting reply to all such forces," the president said. 

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Speaking about India's growing economy, President Murmu said, "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 economy...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 the national interest in the last 10 years. Today, India contributes to 15% of the global growth. My Government is working towards making India the 3rd largest economy in the world."

President Murmu calls Emergency 'unconstitutional' 

"Emergency was the biggest and darkest chapter of the direct attack on the Constitution. The entire country plunged into chaos during Emergency, but the nation was victorious against such unconstitutional powers," the president said, as ruling BJP members cheered and the Opposition held protests. 

"Every attempt to tarnish our democracy should be condemned by all. Divisive forces are conspiring to weaken democracy, create a chasm in society from within and outside the country," she said.

President addresses NEET issue, says government will punish the guilty

The president also spoke about the irregularities in the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET), which is an all-India exam held for admission to medical courses.

She said that the government is committed to investigating the paper leaks and punishing the guilty amid cries of "NEET" from the Opposition benches.

"Sanctity, and transparency are a must in government recruitments and examinations. The government is committed to conducting a fair investigation and ensure the most stringent punishment to those guilty in the recent incidents of paper leak," the president said, and added that there is a need to move beyond "partisan politics" and adopt strong steps on this issue.

Earlier, President Murmu was accorded the Guard of Honour when she arrived at the Parliament. Her way was led by a Parliament official who carried a Sengol. 

(With inputs from agencies)