Video: President Murmu addresses joint session of Parliament today.
The first session of the 18th Lok Sabha began on Monday, marking the commencement of a new legislative period with newly elected representatives taking their seats. Today, the Rajya Sabha session will start, continuing the parliamentary activities for this term. These sessions are crucial as they set the legislative agenda and address pressing national issues. Members of both Houses will engage in discussions, debates, and the passing of significant bills and policies. The smooth functioning of these sessions is vital for the country’s governance, and all eyes will be on the proceedings to see how the new legislative agenda unfolds.
New Delhi: President Droupadi Murmu is set to address the joint sitting of Parliament shortly, marking her first presidential address since the formation of the third National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government. This significant event will outline the government’s priorities and agenda for the coming term.
Members will have the opportunity to discuss and debate the contents of the President’s speech, reflecting on the outlined policies and plans.
The first session of the 18th Lok Sabha began on Monday, initiating a new legislative period with newly elected representatives. Meanwhile, the Rajya Sabha session will commence today, continuing the parliamentary activities and discussions.
Congress chief and Rajya Sabha Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge stated that they are expecting a genuinely good speech this year, emphasizing that it should be a President’s address rather than a government speech. “Let’s see what new programs they are going to introduce and how many programs they implemented last year and the year before that. It should not be a government speech; it should be the President’s address,” he said.
Samajwadi Party chief and MP Akhilesh Yadav remarked that the President’s address is a tradition that occurs every session, underscoring its importance and consistency in parliamentary proceedings.
Congress chief and Rajya Sabha Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge stated that they are expecting a genuinely good speech this year, emphasizing that it should be a President’s address rather than a government speech. “Let’s see what new programs they are going to introduce and how many programs they implemented last year and the year before that. It should not be a government speech; it should be the President’s address,” he said.
Samajwadi Party chief and MP Akhilesh Yadav remarked that the President’s address is a tradition that occurs every session, underscoring its importance and consistency in parliamentary proceedings. “This is the tradition and it happens every time. We listen to the President. That is actually the speech of the Government,” he said.
The motion for his re-election was moved by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and seconded by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and it was adopted by the House through a voice vote. Birla’s re-election marks a continuation of his leadership, which has been appreciated by many for his fair and balanced approach.
Speaking on the occasion, Speaker Om Birla urged the members to adopt a new vision and resolve for the 18th Lok Sabha. He emphasized the importance of constructive debates and discussions, aiming to make the parliamentary proceedings more effective and meaningful. Birla’s call for a renewed commitment highlights the significance of this legislative period and the collective responsibility of the members to uphold democratic values and work towards the nation’s progress.
Congress chief and Rajya Sabha Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge stated that they are expecting a genuinely good speech this year, emphasizing that it should be a President’s address rather than a government speech. “Let’s see what new programs they are going to introduce and how many programs they implemented last year and the year before that. It should not be a government speech; it should be the President’s address,” he said.
Samajwadi Party chief and MP Akhilesh Yadav remarked that the President’s address is a tradition that occurs every session, underscoring its importance and consistency in parliamentary proceedings. “This is the tradition and it happens every time. We listen to the President. That is actually the speech of the Government,” he said.
The motion for his re-election was moved by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and seconded by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and it was adopted by the House through a voice vote. Birla’s re-election marks a continuation of his leadership, which has been appreciated by many for his fair and balanced approach.
Speaking on the occasion, Speaker Om Birla called for the 18th Lok Sabha to be a center of creative thinking and new ideas, aiming to establish high levels of parliamentary traditions and dignity. He stressed that the goal of the House should be to fulfill the resolve of Viksit Bharat (Developed India). Birla emphasized the importance of constructive debates and discussions, aiming to make parliamentary proceedings more effective and meaningful. His call for a renewed commitment highlights the significance of this legislative period and the collective responsibility of the members to uphold democratic values and work towards the nation’s progress.
This is the first Lok Sabha session post-general elections in which the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) secured 293 seats, while the INDIA bloc obtained 234 seats. Despite its significant presence, the BJP was unable to achieve a majority on its own, being limited to 240 seats. This distribution of seats sets the stage for a dynamic and potentially contentious parliamentary session, with the opposition holding substantial representation.
The commencement of the 18th Lok Sabha session and the Rajya Sabha session marks a critical juncture in Indian politics, with key legislative priorities and discussions expected to take place. The government’s agenda, as outlined in President Murmu’s address, will be scrutinized and debated by both ruling party members and the opposition, reflecting the diverse voices and perspectives within the Parliament. As the sessions unfold, the focus will be on how effectively the House can work towards the nation’s development goals and address the pressing issues faced by the country.