New Delhi, Jan 28 (NationPress) Union Health Minister and Leader of House in the Rajya Sabha J.P. Nadda vehemently criticized what he termed as the “utterly reprehensible” actions of the opposition, primarily spearheaded by Congress, during President Droupadi Murmu’s address in Parliament.

The opposition coalition staged a protest within the Parliament premises regarding the alleged discontinuation of the MGNREGA scheme while the President addressed a joint session of both Houses.

As President Murmu discussed the newly enacted Viksit Bharat-G RAM G law, opposition members stood up and chanted slogans in protest, thereby disrupting the proceedings.

In a pointed response, Nadda remarked, “Today marked the commencement of the Budget Session of Parliament with President Droupadi Murmu’s address. However, the conduct of Congress leaders and their opposition counterparts, who blatantly ignored parliamentary decorum, is utterly reprehensible.”

While emphasizing the nationwide celebrations commemorating 150 years of Bankim Chandra Chatterjee’s immortal anthem Vande Mataram, President Murmu honored its enduring inspiration and commended Parliamentarians for engaging in a special discussion on this occasion.

Nadda further stated that during the President's address to both Houses, which included reflections on the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram and recognition of Bankim Chandra Chatterjee’s contributions, the “anarchic Congress and the INDIA bloc” caused a disturbance by chanting slogans.

Nadda accused the opposition of showing a lack of respect towards national symbols and cultural icons.

“By yelling these slogans, they disrespected the Vande Mataram song and insulted the honored figure of Bankim Babu. The entire nation witnessed this disgraceful act. I fail to comprehend the Congress and the INDIA bloc's animosity towards Vande Mataram, Bankim Babu, and the state of West Bengal,” he expressed.

The Leader of House in the Rajya Sabha also expressed astonishment at the Trinamool Congress joining the protest.

“It is surprising to see Trinamool Congress participating in the opposition’s disruption. The manner in which they have tarnished the dignity of Parliament is truly condemnable. No amount of censure is sufficient. They owe an apology to both Parliament and the nation,” Nadda added.

The Viksit Bharat - Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) or VB-G RAM G Bill, 2025, was approved by Parliament last December. This bill supersedes MGNREGA (2005) to enhance rural development, according to government sources.

Key amendments in this Act include increasing guaranteed annual employment from 100 to 125 days per household, implementing a 60:40 Centre-state funding structure, and emphasizing infrastructure development to achieve the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision.