Budget session LIVE: Rafale jets will strengthen our Air force, says Kovind

The Budget session of Parliament began on Thursday, a day before the Interim Budget 2019 will be presented by Finance Minister Piyush Goyal. 

With the Lok Sabha elections around the corner, this year's Budget session is expected to be a stormy one. The Budget session began with President Ram Nath Kovind addressing a joint session of Parliament. The President said, "India was going through "uncertain times" ahead of the 2014 Lok Sabha polls and the Narendra Modi government after assuming power resolved to work towards a 'New India', giving hope to the people." 

He said the NDA government has been trying to pass the triple talaq bill to empower Muslim women so that they can live a life without fear.

The government has been working to fulfil hopes and aspirations of all sections of people, he said.

Highlighting the government's achievements and various welfare schemes, Kovind said 21 crore poor people were covered under the PM's life insurance scheme, while over 2 crore households got power connection as part of the PM's Saubhagya scheme.

The Budget session will conclude on February 13.

Catch LIVE updates on Budget Session 2019