New Delhi [India], January 31: Biju Janata Dal (BJD) MP Sasmit Patra has voiced his disappointment over President Droupadi Murmu’s address on Friday, labeling it a “feeble attempt” to highlight the government’s achievements while ignoring key national issues. Patra criticized the speech for not addressing important concerns, especially those affecting states like Odisha.
Patra stated, “It was a very disappointing speech. It was just a feeble attempt to list the government’s achievements without acknowledging real issues. For instance, our demand for special category status and more support for states in terms of the federal structure were missing.”
The BJD MP further described the address as a “laundry list” of government actions, with no comprehensive approach to the country’s challenges. He added, “There was no imagination in the address; it seemed more like a propaganda statement.”
President Murmu, during her address, highlighted the government’s efforts to position India as the third-largest economy in the world. She emphasized the mantra of “Sabka Sath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas” and marked the beginning of the 2025 Budget Session with her address to both Houses of Parliament.
Following the President’s speech, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman tabled the Economic Survey for 2024-25 in both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, before the Houses were adjourned for the day.
The Economic Survey forecasted India’s economy to grow between 6.3% and 6.8% in FY26, with strong fundamentals, supported by fiscal consolidation, private consumption, and a stable external account. It outlined plans to foster long-term industrial growth by focusing on research and development (R&D), micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and capital goods.
Food inflation is expected to ease in Q4 FY25 due to the seasonal decline in vegetable prices and the Kharif harvest. However, risks to inflation remain due to adverse weather conditions and rising international agricultural prices.