President Droupadi Murmi Addresses Joint Session; Top Quotes

While addressing a joint sitting of both Houses on Thursday President Droupadi Murmu said that  the Emergency of 1975 imposed by former prime minister Indira Gandhi was the “biggest attack” on the constitution.

This was her first address to the 18th Lok Sabha. In her speech, she congratulated the newly elected members of the 18th Lok Sabha including Lok Sabha speaker Om Birla for being re-elected.

Read also: President Droupadi Murmu Says “Emergency” Was The Biggest Attack On Constitution

Here are the top ten quotes from President’s address:

• “Emergency was the biggest and darkest chapter of the direct attack on the Constitution. The entire country plunged into chaos during Emergency, but the nation was victorious against such unconstitutional powers.”
• Speaking on the recent NEET UG paper leak controversy, President said, “There is a need to rise above partisan politics. Sanctity and transparency must be in government recruitments and examinations.”
• “Decades-long records of voting were broken in Jammu and Kashmir, which earlier saw low voting amid shutdowns and strikes. The people gave a befitting reply to India’s enemies who propagated as Kashmir’s opinion in international forums.”
• “With the reforms that have taken place in the last 10 years and the new confidence that has been infused in the country, we have gained a new momentum to make India a developed nation.”
• “Government has started granting citizenship to refugees under CAA law and I wish for a better future for such people.”
• “For a capable India, modernity in our armed forces is essential and we should be the best in the face of war. To ensure this, the process of reforms should go on continuously in the armed forces.”
• “My government is committed to conduct a fair probe and ensure that those guilty of paper leak of a few exams recently get strict punishment. We have seen incidents of paper leak earlier in various states, there is a need to rise up from party politics and take countrywide strong steps. The Parliament has also made a strong law against anomalies in exams.”
• “As a Vishwa Bandhu, India has taken initiative to solve many global problems. Today, India is known not for increasing the world’s challenges but for providing solutions.”
• “From July 1, the Bharatiya Nyay Samhita will be effective in the country. Now, justice will be prioritised over punishment… which is also a sentiment in Constitution.”
• “Government is working for lasting peace in Northeast and several old problems addressed in last 10 years. It is also working for gradual removal of AFSPA.”

Read also: Akhilesh Yadav’s Party MP Demands Constitution To Replace Sengol, BJP Says “Insult To Tamil Nadu”