President Droupadi Murmu is scheduled to address the 18th Parliament’s joint sitting on Thursday, June 27. This address marks her first since the constitution of the 18th Lok Sabha, which commenced its inaugural session on June 24. The 264th session of the Rajya Sabha is also set to begin on the same day.
Accompanied by horse-mounted presidential bodyguards, President Murmu will arrive at Parliament from the Rashtrapati Bhawan. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the presiding officers of both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha will receive her at the Gaja Dwar of the Parliament building. She will proceed to the Lower House chamber with the traditional sceptre ‘Sengol,’ as per constitutional mandate under Article 87.
During her address, President Murmu is expected to outline the priorities of Prime Minister Modi’s newly-elected government, detailing its programs, policies, and achievements across sectors such as the economy, defence, healthcare, education, and social welfare over the past decade. Following her address, the ruling party will move a motion of thanks in both Houses, initiating debates among members.
Prime Minister Modi is likely to respond to these debates on July 2-3. Meanwhile, the Opposition, rejuvenated after the recent general elections, plans to challenge the government on various issues including NEET-UG irregularities, UGC-NET cancellations, security concerns in Jammu and Kashmir, rail incidents, and escalating prices of essential goods. Despite the BJP-led NDA securing a third consecutive term with 293 seats, falling short of their anticipated 400-seat goal, challenges and debates in Parliament are expected to be robust and consequential.