New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing the media on January 31, 2025, emphasized the political stability of India as the nation prepares for its Budget Session. Marking the commencement of this significant parliamentary event, Modi made his observations, noting the absence of external attempts to incite unrest—a notable shift after years of perceived interference. "For the first time, no spark has been ignited abroad, nor is there anyone to fan the flames," he stated, illustrating the government’s stance on maintaining peace amid political discourse.
This year’s Budget Session is especially important as it sets the tone for India’s economic strategies moving toward its goal of becoming a developed nation, or "Viksit Bharat," by 2047, the centenary of India’s independence. Modi expressed pride in the progress made since India celebrated its 75 years of democracy, describing it as having established itself on the global pedestal. "India has established itself well on the global pedestal," he remarked during his address.
The Prime Minister's focus also included prayers for prosperity, as he sought blessings from Maa Lakshmi, the Goddess of wealth, for the poorer and middle-class sectors of Indian society. "I pray to Maa Lakshmi to continue blessing the poor and middle class of our country," he added, setting the stage for discussions surrounding the forthcoming budget and its potential impacts.
Modi’s vision for "Viksit Bharat" encompasses ambitious goals, positioning India as not only economically stable but also influential on the global stage. On its delivery, he confidently claimed, "I can confidently say, by 2047, India will fulfill its aim of Viksit Bharat." His approach is reflective of the principles driving future governance—innovation, inclusion, and investment—essential elements he described as the roadmap for economic development.
These guiding principles underline the government's commitment to economic reform and collaboration across various levels of governance. Modi urged the young politicians within the Parliament to contribute actively to this developmental goal, reflecting on the long-term legacy they will inherit. "This budget session offers young MPs the golden opportunity to shape the future of our nation," he noted, urging them to leverage this moment to create impactful change.
The Budget Session, running from January 31 until April 4, 2025, will see Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman present the Union Budget for the eighth consecutive time, establishing her as the first finance minister to achieve this milestone. Modi, highlighting the importance of this session, remarked, "This budget will give new energy and hope to the nation, and the 140-crore people will fulfill this vow."
Despite the positivity of Modi's address, the response from the opposition was sharply contrasting. Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra quickly criticized the Prime Minister’s remarks about foreign influence, accusing him of neglecting real issues affecting the populace. "He does not talk about people's issues, does not address them. We saw in the last session, he did not allow debate. So he will say such things," she countered. Her sentiments reflect growing discontent among opposition parties about the government’s handling of pressing challenges.
The Budget Session serves as a stage for deeply strategic discussions surrounding India's economic policies. With the government’s agenda set to address key areas such as infrastructure development, job creation, education, healthcare, and social welfare, the tone set by Modi’s address indicates the emphasis on moving forward with inclusive growth initiatives.
Critics, like Gandhi, argue this focus does not sufficiently address the immediate challenges facing average citizens. The session will likely bring forth debates highlighting the tension between the ruling party's optimistic projections and the opposition's call for accountability and transparency, showcasing the dynamic interactions of Indian democracy.
For shareholders and business leaders, the forthcoming Union Budget presentation will be pivotal, particularly as Modi's government seeks to align investments and reforms with the overarching goal of holistic development. The Prime Minister's emphasis on the collaborative spirit between central and state governments signals plans for broad reform partnerships.
With key players poised to deliver policies aimed at propelling India's economy, the upcoming hours are likely to reflect the foundation laid by Modi during his address. The anticipation surrounding the Budget Session 2025 emphasizes the balancing act between government ambitions and public expectations, with the outcome holding substantial weight for India's path toward becoming the developed nation envisioned by Modi.