Budget Session: President Murmu calls 2026 a pivotal year for Viksit Bharat

New Delhi: The Budget Session of Parliament opened on Wednesday, with President Droupadi Murmu delivering her address to the joint sitting of the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha in New Delhi. 

This ceremonial address marks the beginning of a crucial period in the Parliamentary calendar, during which Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is scheduled to present the Economic Survey on Thursday (January 29) followed by the Union Budget on Sunday (February 1).

As political figures converged in the national capital, President Murmu commenced her speech with warmth and reflection.

She expressed her delight at addressing the joint session, describing the previous year as a memorable chapter in India’s story of swift advancement and rich cultural heritage.

Highlighting the nationwide celebrations marking 150 years of Bankim Chandra Chatterjee’s immortal composition Vande Mataram, she paid tribute to the inspiration it continues to provide, and also congratulated Parliamentarians for holding a special discussion on the occasion.

Looking ahead, the President portrayed 2026 as a pivotal foundation year in the nation’s ambitious path toward becoming a Viksit Bharat, or developed India.

She observed that the closing of the first quarter-century of the new millennium had brought numerous triumphs, moments of national pride, and profound experiences.

Over the past decade or so, she noted, India has fortified its base across every major sector, laying a robust groundwork for future growth.

The address also turned to the power of historical remembrance in shaping the present and future.

President Murmu spoke movingly of the country’s observance of the 350th Shaheedi Diwas of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, whose sacrifice continues to resonate deeply.

She recalled the widespread tributes paid during the 150th birth anniversary of Birsa Munda, honouring his enduring legacy for tribal communities and the broader fight for justice. Similarly, commemorations of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s 150th birth anniversary had reinforced the vision of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat, while the celebrations surrounding Bharat Ratna Bhupen Hazarika’s birth anniversary had filled the nation with music and a renewed sense of unity.

Through these reflections, the President emphasised that when a country honours the contributions of its forebears, it ignites inspiration in the younger generation, accelerating the collective march toward a developed and inclusive India.

Her words set an optimistic and unifying tone for the session ahead, blending pride in past milestones with resolve for the journey still unfolding.

In the lead-up to the session, an all-party meeting held on Tuesday, chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, set the tone for proceedings.

Leaders from across the political spectrum shared their anticipated priorities and pledged cooperation to ensure smooth functioning. Among them, Congress indicated that the party would focus on people-centric matters, including concerns over alleged vote theft, the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls, paddy procurement, and the revival of aspects of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act.