In a way referring to INDIA bloc leaders campaign to `Save Constitution’, President Droupadi Murmu, while addressing the 18th Lok Sabha for the first time, recalled the Emergency imposed by the Indira Gandhi government in 1975, saying it was the biggest and darkest chapter of a direct attack on the Constitution.
“The Emergency was the biggest and darkest chapter of a direct attack on the Constitution. The entire country plunged into chaos during Emergency, but nation was victorious against such unconstitutional powers, she Murmu said,
“Opposing policies and disrupting proceedings of Parliament are two different things. When Parliament is run smoothly, there’s healthy debate, then people have faith on the administration.”she added. Divisive forces conspiring to weaken democracy, and create a chasm in society from within and outside the country, she cautioned.
She also spoke about the ‘paper leak’ cases, saying that a high-level probe has been initiated into the allegations. Members chanted “NEET” as she addressed the House. The President added that there was a need to rise above partisan politics to arrive at a solution. She also stated that the government has made a strict law against unfair means employed during examinations.
“The government is committed to conducting fair investigation and ensure the most stringent punishment to those guilty in the recent incidents of paper leak,” she said. The president added that Parliament has also made a strong law against paper leaks. She added that the government is working to bring reforms in the examination process.
President Murmu commended the current NDA government led by Prime Minister Modi, calling it a stable government. She remarked, “A complete majority has been formed in the country after six decades. People have shown trust in this government for the third time. People are aware that only this government can fulfill their aspirations… The 18th Lok Sabha is historic in many ways.”
On the record voter turnout in Kashmir, President Murmu said, “Decades-long records of voting have been broken in J&K. For the past four decades, Kashmir witnessed low voting amid shutdowns and strikes. India’s enemies propagated it as the opinion of Kashmir on international forums. But this time, the Kashmir valley gave a befitting reply to all such forces…”
President Murmu also said that the government is working towards ensuring peace and stability in the Northeast. “In the last 10 years, many old conflicts have been resolved, many agreements have been made. The government is working to repeal AFSPA in a phased manner in disturbed areas through development,” she added.
Shortly before the address, the Aam Admi Party (AAP) announced that it will boycott the President’s address to protest against the arrest of Delhi Chief Minister and party chief Aravind Kejriwal.