Budget Session 2026: Opposition protests VB–G RAM G Bill as President Murmu addresses Parliament

President Droupadi Murmu’s address to a joint sitting of Parliament on the opening day of the Budget Session 2026 was marked by Opposition protests after she referred to the contentious VB–G RAM G Bill, prompting slogan-shouting members to demand its rollback.

Despite the disruption, the President continued her speech, laying out the government’s vision on economic reforms, social justice, space exploration, and governance. Opposition MPs raised objections soon after the Bill was mentioned, briefly interrupting proceedings in the Lok Sabha chamber.

The President said that Babasaheb Ambedkar’s emphasis on equality and social justice continues to inspire the Constitution and the nation.

She asserted that every citizen must receive full rights without discrimination, reaffirming the government’s commitment to true social justice. Murmu said 25 crore people have been lifted out of poverty over the past decade, with faster efforts underway in the government’s third term to further empower the poor.

Highlighting India’s growing presence in space, Murmu said astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla’s visit to the International Space Station marked the beginning of a historic journey.

“In the coming years, India is moving towards building its own space station,” she said, adding that the Gaganyaan mission was progressing with enthusiasm. Her remarks drew desk-thumping applause from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and members of the Treasury benches.

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On the economy, the President said the government was moving ahead on a “Reform Express,” replacing outdated rules to meet future needs. She noted that the proposed India–European Union Free Trade Agreement would boost manufacturing and services while generating employment opportunities for the youth.

Murmu also underlined the government’s efforts to tackle corruption and scams, asserting that public funds were now being used in a transparent and accountable manner.

She also asserted that the day is not far when Maoist terror will be eliminated from India, citing significant progress made in recent years. "Maoist influence, once spread across 126 districts, is now confined to just eight districts. Around 2,000 individuals with links to Maoist groups have surrendered over the past year, reflecting growing public trust in the government,” she added. 

Highlighting India’s firm response to terrorism, the President said the world witnessed the country’s valour through Operation Sindoor, launched against Pakistan following the 2025 Pahalgam terror attack.

Recalling Guru Tegh Bahadur’s words on fearlessness, Murmu said India neither intimidates others nor bows to threats. She noted that terror infrastructure was destroyed using indigenous capabilities and said India is countering terrorism by keeping the Indus Water Treaty in abeyance.

Touching upon development and empowerment, Murmu said India has strengthened its foundations across all sectors over the past decade, guided by constitutional values of equality and social justice.

She highlighted rapid progress in renewable energy, noting that nearly two million rooftop solar systems have been installed, and underscored the role of naari shakti in nation-building, citing milestones such as women cadets graduating from the NDA and Indian women’s cricket teams winning global titles.

Emphasising welfare and social justice, the President said social security benefits now reach nearly 95 crore citizens across the country. She added that around 25 crore people had moved out of poverty over the past decade, with renewed focus in the government’s third term to further empower the poor, particularly in eastern India.

Ceremonial procession, Sengol ritual mark start of Budget Session

President Droupadi Murmu was accorded a ceremonial welcome in the Parliament premises on Friday as she arrived to address a joint sitting of both Houses, marking the beginning of the Budget Session.

Vice President C P Radhakrishnan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju received her at the Gaja Dwar.

The President arrived in a six-horse-driven ceremonial buggy, escorted by the horse-mounted Presidential Bodyguard, on a misty morning in the national capital. She was given a guard of honour on the lawns of the Parliament building. Ahead of her arrival, a senior Marshal of the Lok Sabha, dressed in traditional attire, carried the Sengol in a ceremonial procession amid drum rolls.

The Sengol has been adopted by the government as a cultural symbol. The President was then escorted to the Lok Sabha chamber by the Vice President, the Prime Minister and the Speaker.