On Thursday, Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati voiced sharp criticism of President Droupadi Murmu’s address at the joint session of Parliament. Using social media platform X, Mayawati described President Murmu’s speech, which highlighted the Union government’s achievements over the past decade, as “hawa hawai” (hollow) and disconnected from the ground realities faced by the country.
Mayawati accused the Narendra Modi-led NDA government of neglecting pressing issues such as poverty, unemployment, inflation, and the struggles of weaker sections of society. She expressed disappointment in the government’s roadmap for the next five years, stating, “There is nothing particularly strong in their roadmap for the next five years either.”
The BSP chief suggested that MPs, during the motion of thanks on the President’s address, should focus on public interest issues instead of engaging in mere accusations and counter-accusations.
In her speech, President Murmu emphasized the government’s achievements in various sectors over the last ten years and reiterated its commitment to addressing recent paper leak incidents with thorough investigations and strict punishment for the guilty. She called for rising above party politics to implement concrete measures nationwide, advocating for transparency and integrity in competitive examinations and government recruitment processes.
President Murmu also hinted at significant economic and social decisions to be announced in the upcoming budget, promising an increase in the speed of reforms to meet public aspirations. “The budget will have major economic and social decisions and many historic steps will be taken,” she said, aiming to bolster the government’s reform agenda.
Mayawati’s critique reflects ongoing political tensions as the newly constituted 18th Lok Sabha embarks on its legislative agenda. The contrasting perspectives highlight the challenges of addressing diverse societal concerns within India’s dynamic political landscape.