In a statement on January 31, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the media ahead of the Parliament’s Budget Session, highlighting significant shifts in India’s political landscape. He remarked that, for the first time in a decade, there were no foreign attempts to instigate unrest before the session began.
“For the first time in 10 years, there has been no spark ignited abroad, nor anyone fanning the flames,” said PM Modi, reflecting on how external influences, which had previously sought to disrupt parliamentary sessions, have been absent. This, he noted, was a welcome change compared to previous years when external forces often tried to provoke tension.
Looking back, the Prime Minister emphasized how, since taking office in 2014, it had been a consistent pattern to witness attempts of mischief or external interference before parliamentary sessions. He expressed satisfaction that, this time, no such sparks had been lit.
In his customary pre-session address, PM Modi also invoked the blessings of Maa Lakshmi, the Goddess of wealth and prosperity, wishing her special blessings for the nation’s poor and middle class. “I pray that Maa Lakshmi continues to bless the poor and middle class of our country,” he said, echoing his focus on inclusive economic growth.
PM Modi further celebrated India’s achievement of 75 years as a democratic nation, expressing immense pride in the country’s progress. He spoke of India’s growing global stature and reaffirmed his belief in the nation’s path toward becoming a “Viksit Bharat” (developed India) by 2047, when the nation celebrates 100 years of independence.
As this will be the first complete budget of his third term, PM Modi spoke optimistically about the nation’s future. “Innovation, inclusion, and investment — this is our roadmap for economic development,” he stated, highlighting the government’s commitment to all-round growth. He emphasized that this session would witness discussions on several historic bills, with the goal of transforming the nation by engaging both central and state governments.
The Prime Minister further underscored the role of India’s youthful population in shaping its future. “Our nation is youthful, and those who are 25-26 years old today will be the primary beneficiaries of Viksit Bharat, seeing its fruits in the coming decades.”
Concluding his address, PM Modi encouraged all Members of Parliament, particularly young MPs, to actively contribute to the nation’s progress during this session. He called it a golden opportunity for them to participate in the journey of building a developed India.
