Parliament budget session 2026 live: President Murmu addresses joint assembly, highlights India’s progress and 150 years of Vande Mataram

During the Budget Session of Parliament, President Droupadi Murmu highlighted the newly enacted Viksit Bharat-G RAM G law, saying, "For employment and development in rural areas, Viksit Bharat-G RAM G law has been formed. With this new reform, there will be 125 days of employment guarantees in villages..."

NDA-BJP MPs applauded the initiative, thumping their desks in appreciation. In contrast, Opposition MPs stood in protest, demanding that the law be withdrawn, reflecting sharp divisions over the rural employment reform during the parliamentary address.

The debate underscores the heightened political attention on rural development and employment guarantees as Parliament discusses key policies for the upcoming fiscal year.

President Droupadi Murmu on Wednesday addressed Parliament during the Budget Session, underscoring the progress of women in India. She said, "As a result of the progressive mindset and policies of my Government, women have gone ahead rapidly in every ambitious area of the country."

Highlighting a landmark achievement, she added, "In this direction, a few months back, the country achieved another major milestone when the first batch of women cadets passed out from the National Defence Academy (NDA)."

President Murmu emphasized the significance of this step in promoting gender equality and empowerment, saying, "This has further strengthened the belief that in the development and empowerment of the country, 'naari shakti' stands first."

Her remarks celebrated the growing role of women across defense, education, and other key sectors, reflecting the government’s focus on inclusive development.

President Droupadi Murmu on Wednesday addressed the joint sitting of Parliament at the start of the Budget Session, reflecting on India’s achievements and cultural heritage. She said, "I am delighted to be addressing this session of the Parliament. Last year was memorable as the festival of India's rapid progress and heritage...150 years of Vande Mataram is being celebrated across the country. The citizens are bowing before Bankim Chandra Chatterjee for this great inspiration."

Highlighting other milestones, the President added, "The country celebrated the 350th Shaheedi Diwas of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji. During the 150th birth anniversary of Birsa Munda, the entire country paid him tribute and remembered his contribution to the tribal community."

She also noted the celebrations around Sardar Patel’s 150th birth anniversary and Bharat Ratna Bhupen Hazarika’s birth anniversary, saying they strengthened the sense of Ek Bharat Shresht Bharat and inspired the younger generation.

President Murmu emphasized that remembering the contributions of India’s ancestors motivates citizens and accelerates the nation’s journey toward a Viksit Bharat.

Congress and Opposition leaders will meet Rajya Sabha LoP Mallikarjun Kharge on Wednesday to finalise their approach for the Budget Session. Key issues expected to be raised in Parliament include MGNREGA, the SIR exercise, the Indore water tragedy, and the state of the economy.

The Budget Session of Parliament kicks off today with President Droupadi Murmu addressing the joint sitting of both Houses. The Economic Survey will be presented on January 29, followed by the Union Budget 2026–27 on February 1. The 65-day session, spanning 30 sittings, will take a recess from February 13 to March 9 to allow Standing Committees to scrutinize Demands for Grants. Opposition parties are expected to raise issues including MGNREGA, SIR, farmer distress, unemployment, and state allocations, while the government focuses on financial and legislative business.

The Delhi High Court has ordered the immediate takedown of an AI-generated film that allegedly used the name, image and likeness of Akira Nandan, son of Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, without consent. The court said the use of AI and deepfake technology violated Akira’s personality, publicity and privacy rights and risked irreparable harm to his reputation. It restrained the producers from any further exploitation and directed platforms, including Meta, to remove infringing content within 72 hours if users fail to comply.