PM’s remarks at the beginning of the Budget Session of Parliament.

Today Marks the First Monday of Sawan: A Significant Day for Parliament and the Nation

Today is the first Monday of Sawan, an auspicious day heralding the start of an important session. On this special occasion, I extend my heartfelt good wishes to all my fellow citizens.

The Monsoon session of Parliament also begins today. The nation is watching closely, hoping for a session that is positive, creative, and lays a strong foundation for realizing the dreams of our people.

Friends,

This moment represents an important milestone in the glorious journey of India’s democracy. It is a matter of great pride for me and for all our colleagues that, after nearly 60 years, a government has been re-elected for a third term and has the privilege of presenting the first budget of its third term. This journey of Indian democracy is indeed glorious. The country views this as a dignified event. This is the budget session. I have made promises to the people, and we are moving forward with the aim of fulfilling those promises gradually. This budget is crucial as it will guide our work over the next five years and lay the foundation for a developed India by 2047, when we celebrate 100 years of independence. It is a matter of pride for every citizen that India is the fastest-growing country among the large economies. With 8 percent growth over the last three years, we are advancing steadily. Today, India is at the peak of opportunities, with a positive outlook, investment, and performance. This is a significant stage in India’s development journey.

Friends,

I address all our capable representatives, irrespective of their party affiliation. I want to emphasize today that since last January, we have been entrusted with power. We fought for this power and communicated our vision to the people. Some tried to lead, while others tried to mislead. But now that phase has ended, and the people have given their verdict. It is now the duty of all elected MPs, and the special responsibility of all political parties, to fight for the country over the next five years, putting the party battles behind us. Let us rise above party lines and dedicate ourselves solely to the country in this dignified platform of Parliament.

When January 2029 comes, and the election year arrives, you will return to the field and make use of the House. Those six months can be for political battles. But until then, let us focus only on the country, its poor, its farmers, its youth, and its women, empowering them and working towards the dream of 2047 with full commitment. I am saddened to say that since 2014, some MPs have come and gone without having the opportunity to speak about their areas or enrich Parliament with their ideas, due to the negative politics of some parties. This has wasted important parliamentary time. I urge all parties to give new MPs, who are here in large numbers across all parties, a chance to express their views in discussions. Allow as many people as possible to come forward.

In the first session of Parliament after the formation of the new government, there was an undemocratic attempt to suppress the voice of the government that has been mandated to serve by 140 crore citizens. There is no place in democratic traditions for stifling the Prime Minister’s voice for two and a half hours.

Today, I want to insist that we have been sent here by the people for the country, not for our parties. This House is not for any party; it is for the country. This House represents not just MPs but 140 crore citizens. I believe that all our honorable MPs will enrich the discussion with full preparation. The country does not need negativity; it needs forward-thinking ideologies for progress and development. I sincerely hope that we will use this temple of democracy positively to fulfill the hopes and aspirations of the common man of India.

Thank you very much, friends.