India, Feb. 4 -- Several Opposition parties in Rajya Sabha on Tuesday criticised the President's address saying it did not touch upon the pressing issues confronting the country, including high unemployment, rising inflation, growing instances of hate speeches and other governance-related issues.

Some Opposition members also said it was detached from reality and did not address the real concerns of the people. It was also criticised for sidestepping issues related to farmers and not mentioning the Manipur security situation.

Speaking during the motion of thanks on the President's address, Biju Janata Dal MP Sasmit Patra expressed disappointment with the speech saying it was full of empty rhetoric, "with hopeful promises and a vision clo...