New Delhi: Congress leader Sonia Gandhi criticized President Droupadi Murmu's address ahead of the Budget session, stating that the President appeared tired towards the end of her speech.
"The President was getting very tired by the end. She could hardly speak, poor thing," Sonia, who attended the joint sitting of both the Houses said.
During her address, President Murmu highlighted India's progress towards becoming the world’s third-largest economy, reaffirming the government’s commitment to inclusive growth with the mantra 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas'.
Arriving at Parliament in a traditional horse-drawn buggy, President Murmu paid tribute to India’s Constitution makers and honored former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who passed away last year.
She also addressed the recent stampede at the Mahakumbh in Uttar Pradesh’s Prayagraj, offering condolences to the victims' families and outlining various government initiatives including housing and healthcare schemes.
The President announced the construction of three crore additional houses under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana and an extension of the Ayushman Bharat Scheme to provide health insurance for six crore senior citizens above the age of 70.
Murmu also emphasized women-led development initiatives such as the National Rural Livelihood Mission and the 'Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam', aiming at empowering women and creating financially independent individuals.
