New Delhi

President Droupadi Murmu on Wednesday called upon Members of Parliament to rise above political differences and stand together on key national priorities such as the vision of Viksit Bharat, national security, self-reliance and the promotion of swadeshi.

Addressing a joint sitting of Parliament at the commencement of the Budget Session, the President said certain issues transcend partisan debate and require collective commitment. She underlined that the government remains focused on accelerating reforms and sustaining momentum to achieve the goal of a developed India by 2047.

Referring to India’s security posture, Murmu said the courage and capability of the armed forces were demonstrated through Operation Sindoor, during which terror camps were neutralised using indigenous strength. She asserted that any act of terrorism would be met with firm and decisive retaliation, adding that India has shown the world how power can be exercised responsibly and with restraint.

“Despite differing views and opinions, there has always been agreement on one thing — nothing is above the nation,” the President said while addressing MPs in the Lok Sabha chamber.

Invoking leaders across the political spectrum, including Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, B R Ambedkar, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Jayaprakash Narayan, Ram Manohar Lohia, Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya and former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Murmu said they all believed that while disagreement is intrinsic to democracy, some issues lie beyond political divisions.

She urged parliamentarians to remain united on matters such as national unity, cleanliness, Atmanirbhar Bharat, swadeshi initiatives and the security of the country, describing such consensus as the essence of the Constitution.

Calling upon MPs to act as partners in the nation’s progress, Murmu appealed for renewed energy and collective responsibility in advancing India’s development journey.

Addressing concerns raised over certain provisions of the University Grants Commission’s regulations aimed at promoting equity in higher education, the President said the government was proceeding with full sensitivity towards Dalits, backward classes, tribal communities and other marginalised sections.

Reiterating the government’s commitment to social justice, she said efforts to empower the poor had intensified during its third term, with nearly 95 crore citizens now covered under various social security schemes. She noted that around 25 crore people have moved out of poverty over the past decade.

Murmu also highlighted the government’s efforts to curb corruption and ensure transparent utilisation of public funds. Reflecting on the country’s progress, she said the first 25 years of the 21st century had been marked by notable achievements, and India had strengthened its foundations across sectors in the last decade.

Her reference to the Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) triggered loud protests from Opposition benches. Explaining the initiative, Murmu said it aims to guarantee 125 days of employment, curb leakages and corruption, and provide fresh impetus to rural development.

Opposition members raised slogans demanding the withdrawal of the scheme, while members of the ruling alliance expressed support by thumping desks. The President briefly paused her address amid the commotion.

She also welcomed the conclusion of a free trade agreement with the European Union, saying it would boost manufacturing and services, generate employment and strengthen India’s economic prospects. Despite global uncertainties, she said, India has remained the world’s fastest-growing major economy over the past 11 years.

Turning to space achievements, Murmu described astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla’s visit to the International Space Station last year as the start of a historic phase for the country. She said India is steadily moving towards establishing its own space station and noted that space tourism could also become a reality in the future.

ALSO READ: India’s-EU landmark FTA to spur growth, jobs, increase New Delhi's relevance

She added that the nation continues to work with enthusiasm towards the Gaganyaan human spaceflight mission.