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3 Feb 2026·Source: The Hindu
3 min
Polity & GovernanceNEWS

Opposition Criticizes President's Address, Cites Rising Inequality, Democratic Concerns

Opposition says President's address doesn't reflect realities, cites inequality, democratic threats.

Opposition Criticizes President's Address, Cites Rising Inequality, Democratic Concerns

Photo by Artur Shamsutdinov

Opposition parties in the Rajya Sabha criticized President Droupadi Murmu's address to Parliament, stating it did not reflect the realities of the country. Congress leader Digvijaya Singh said inequality was rising and the government ignored workers and farmers. Trinamool Congress MP Sagarika Ghose said the President’s speech denied present-day reality.

AAP MP Sanjay Singh raised concerns about electoral roll revisions. DMK MP Tiruchi Siva alleged parliamentary democracy norms were being violated.

UPSC Exam Angles

1.

GS Paper II: Polity and Governance - Functions and responsibilities of the Union and the States, Parliament and State Legislatures

2.

Connects to the syllabus by highlighting the role of the President, Parliament, and the opposition in a parliamentary democracy.

3.

Potential question types: Statement-based MCQs, analytical questions on the role of the opposition.

More Information

Background

The President's Address to Parliament is a constitutional requirement outlined in Article 87 of the Indian Constitution. This address, delivered at the commencement of the first session after each general election and at the beginning of the first session of each year, essentially outlines the government's policy priorities and achievements. The content of the President's Address is prepared by the government, reflecting its agenda for the upcoming year. It is a significant event that allows the government to communicate its vision and legislative plans to the nation. The address is followed by a motion of thanks, during which Members of Parliament (MPs) can debate and discuss the issues raised. This provides an opportunity for the opposition to scrutinize the government's policies and performance, as seen in the news summary. The debate on the Motion of Thanks is a crucial parliamentary procedure. It allows for a comprehensive discussion on the government's policies and programs. Amendments can be moved to the Motion of Thanks, and if passed, it amounts to a defeat for the government. This underscores the importance of the President's Address as a tool for the government to set the agenda and for the opposition to hold the government accountable within the framework of parliamentary democracy.

Latest Developments

In recent years, debates surrounding the President's Address have often highlighted the growing divide between the ruling party and the opposition. Issues such as rising inequality, democratic backsliding, and economic policies have become focal points of contention. The opposition frequently uses this platform to voice their concerns and hold the government accountable. The role of institutions like the Election Commission of India (ECI) has also come under scrutiny during these debates, particularly concerning the fairness and transparency of electoral processes. Allegations of electoral roll revisions and manipulation, as mentioned by AAP MP Sanjay Singh, reflect the ongoing concerns about the integrity of the electoral system. These concerns often lead to demands for electoral reforms and greater oversight of the ECI. Looking ahead, the President's Address is likely to remain a key platform for political discourse and debate. As India navigates complex challenges such as economic slowdown, social divisions, and geopolitical uncertainties, the address will continue to serve as a barometer of the government's priorities and the state of the nation. The opposition's role in scrutinizing the government's policies and holding it accountable will remain crucial for maintaining a healthy parliamentary democracy.

Practice Questions (MCQs)

1. Consider the following statements regarding the President's Address to the Parliament: 1. The President's Address is delivered at the commencement of the first session after each general election and at the beginning of the first session of each year. 2. The content of the President's Address is prepared by the Speaker of the Lok Sabha. 3. The Motion of Thanks is a formality and does not allow for amendments. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  • A.1 only
  • B.2 and 3 only
  • C.1 and 3 only
  • D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer

Answer: A

Statement 1 is CORRECT: The President's Address is indeed delivered at the commencement of the first session after each general election and at the beginning of the first session of each year, as per Article 87 of the Constitution. Statement 2 is INCORRECT: The content of the President's Address is prepared by the government, not the Speaker of the Lok Sabha. It reflects the government's policy priorities and agenda. Statement 3 is INCORRECT: The Motion of Thanks is not a mere formality. Amendments can be moved to it, and if passed, it can amount to a defeat for the government.

2. In the context of recent criticisms of the President's Address, which of the following best describes the role of the opposition in a parliamentary democracy?

  • A.To unconditionally support the government's policies and initiatives.
  • B.To provide constructive criticism and hold the government accountable.
  • C.To disrupt parliamentary proceedings and obstruct the government's agenda.
  • D.To remain silent on issues of public importance.
Show Answer

Answer: B

The role of the opposition in a parliamentary democracy is to provide constructive criticism and hold the government accountable. This includes scrutinizing government policies, raising concerns about issues of public importance, and offering alternative solutions. The news summary highlights how opposition parties criticized the President's Address, citing rising inequality and democratic concerns, which exemplifies this role.

3. Which of the following statements is NOT correct regarding the Election Commission of India (ECI)?

  • A.The ECI is responsible for conducting free and fair elections in India.
  • B.The ECI is an autonomous constitutional authority.
  • C.The ECI is responsible for revising electoral rolls.
  • D.The ECI reports directly to the Prime Minister's Office.
Show Answer

Answer: D

The ECI does not report directly to the Prime Minister's Office. It is an independent constitutional body responsible for conducting free and fair elections in India. It is autonomous and does not take directions from the executive branch. The ECI is responsible for revising electoral rolls, as mentioned in the news summary regarding AAP MP Sanjay Singh's concerns.

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