President Droupadi Murmu delivered a poignant address today to a joint session of Parliament, marking her first since the general election ushered in a new Lok Sabha. In her speech, she denounced the Emergency imposed in 1975 as the darkest chapter of direct assault on the Constitution.
“The imposition of Emergency on June 25, 1975 stands as the biggest and darkest attack on our Constitution,” President Murmu declared, amidst mixed reactions from Parliamentarians. She accentuated the resilience of Bharat’s constitutional framework, stating, “Our nation emerged victorious over unconstitutional forces, as the traditions of our republic remain integral to our identity.”
Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar echoed the President’s sentiments, labelling the Emergency as a severe blow to constitutional principles.
President Murmu’s remarks come amidst a heated debate between the ruling BJP and the Opposition regarding the legacy of the Emergency. While BJP leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, have highlighted its detrimental impact under the Indira Gandhi regime, the Opposition has raised concerns over what they term an “undeclared emergency” in recent years.
Addressing concerns over the Constitution, President Murmu asserted, “My government views the Constitution of Bharat not merely as a governing document, but as a fundamental aspect of our national consciousness.”
The President’s address highlighted Bharat’s economic strides, noting its ascent as the fastest-growing major economy globally, and its aim to become the third-largest economy. She mentioned the government’s commitment to strengthening sectors such as manufacturing, services, and agriculture to achieve self-reliance.
Touching on recent controversies surrounding the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET), President Murmu assured a rigorous investigation into paper leaks and vowed strict action against those responsible. She called for transparency and integrity in government recruitment and examinations, urging bipartisan cooperation on this critical issue.
President Murmu’s address sets the stage for parliamentary debates on the government’s achievements and future goals, marking a pivotal moment in Bharat’s legislative agenda.
