New Delhi: With acrimony between govt and opposition benches often leading to disruption in Parliament, President Droupadi Murmu on Wednesday said issues like national security and resolve for ‘Viksit Bharat’ should be beyond any differences and asked MPs from across the political divide to speak in one voice on matters of national interest.In her address to a joint sitting of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha to mark the Budget session’s start, she invoked a number of leaders, including Jawaharlal Nehru and Atal Bihari Vajpayee, identified with contesting ideologies to assert that they stood for burying differences for the country’s interest.The resolve for ‘Viksit Bharat’, India’s security, self-reliance and swadeshi were the issues over which Parliament should be unanimous as it was accepted that nothing was bigger than the nation despite difference of opinions, she said, while also invoking Mahatma Gandhi, Ram Manohar Lohia, Sardar Patel and Deen Dayal Upadhyay.Her lauding of the VB-G RAM G law, which replaces MGNREGA, saying it would eliminate corruption and boost rural development, drew protests from opposition members, who called for its rollback while BJP and its allies thumped their desks in praise of the new scheme.The opposition was also heard protesting when Murmu began her speech, prompting parliamentary affairs minister Kiren Rijiju to later accuse them of insulting revered figures she mentioned. Congress charged him with spreading lies, saying it was only demanding MGNREGA restoration. The prospect of another showdown looms large as the opposition has sought to revive debate over SIR and VB-G RAM G, with Rijiju ruling out the possibility.In her address, which is prepared by govt, Murmu lauded the governing dispensation for its firm response to Pakistan-linked terrorism with Operation Sindoor, decisive action against Maoist terror, working for the uplift of backward communities, and for ensuring that Indian economy remains the fastest growing major economy despite global challenges.“India has proved that power can be used with responsibility and wisdom. My govt sent a strong message that any terrorist attack on India will receive a firm and decisive response,” she said. Maoist terror, she noted, once affected 126 districts but had receded to eight.PM Narendra Modi described her address as inspiring, comprehensive and insightful, saying it reflected India’s remarkable development journey in recent times. “The emphasis on building a Viksit Bharat was perfectly captured, reflecting our shared aspiration of building a strong and self-reliant nation. The address also covered a wide range of themes, highlighting sustained efforts for farmers, youth, the poor and the downtrodden. It reaffirmed our collective commitment to further speed up the ‘reform express’ and the emphasis on innovation and good governance,” he said.Murmu also referred to the free trade agreement India has signed with EU, saying it would boost manufacturing and service sectors and create new employment opportunities for the youth.







