Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday hinted at new initiatives for the poor and middle class as well as women as he laid out his government's vision a day before the Union Budget is presented in Parliament. Modi began his customary pre-session remarks to the media by invoking Lakshmi, the goddess associated with wealth and prosperity, and said he prayed for special blessings for the poor and middle class. Stressing the importance of ensuring equal rights for women free from religious and sectarian differences, he asserted that significant decisions towards the goal will be taken during the Budget Session, which started from Friday. He emphasised the importance of establishing the dignity of women, who have been at the centre of the ruling BJP's welfare measures. Modi said several historic bills and proposals will be discussed in this session, leading to laws that will strengthen the nation. President Droupadi Murmu in her address to the joint sitting of Parliament also underscor