President’s Address: President Droupadi Murmu delivered her first address to a joint session of Parliament following the BJP-led NDA government’s third consecutive term. She condemned the 1975 Emergency imposed by the then Congress government, describing it as the “biggest” and “darkest” chapter in the history of the Constitution. She also discussed the NEET UG-2024 paper leak and emphasized that the ongoing CBI investigation will ensure accountability.
Motion of Thanks: Following President Murmu’s address, a motion of thanks will be moved in both Houses of Parliament, initiating a discussion among lawmakers. This session marks the commencement of the 18th Lok Sabha, with the Rajya Sabha session starting today.
Election of Lok Sabha Speaker: On Wednesday, NDA candidate Om Birla was re-elected as the Speaker of the Lok Sabha for the second time, defeating Congress MP Kodikkunil Suresh. Birla received congratulations from leaders across the political spectrum, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi. In his speech, Birla called for a vision of a developed India (Viksit Bharat) and praised those who opposed the Emergency.
Reactions to the President’s Address:
BJP Leaders:
- Giriraj Singh: Blamed the Congress for undermining the Constitution during the Emergency.
- Arun Govil: Criticized Congress for not addressing their past actions against the Constitution.
Opposition Leaders:
- Rahul Gandhi: Met Speaker Om Birla with other opposition leaders to discuss the address.
- Asaduddin Owaisi: Criticized the President’s address for not mentioning minorities or unemployment.
- Shashi Tharoor: Questioned the relevance of discussing the Emergency after 49 years and highlighted current issues like the NEET exam and unemployment.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi: Praised President Murmu’s address as comprehensive, highlighting India’s progress and potential.
Other Reactions:
- Mahua Moitra (TMC): Criticized the government for not recognizing their reduced majority and for an outdated speech.
- Akhilesh Yadav (Samajwadi Party): Called the President’s speech a government-written tradition, criticizing the current administration’s effectiveness.
