The 18th Lok Sabha’s first session begins with PM Modi taking oath and a notable protest from the Opposition over the appointment of Bhartruhari Mahtab as pro-tem Speaker. Amidst these tensions, the election of the new Lok Sabha Speaker and key legislative debates will shape the session.
– The first session of the 18th Lok Sabha began today with Prime Minister Narendra Modi taking oath as a member of the House. Addressing the media ahead of the session, PM Modi emphasized the importance of consensus in governance and expressed hope for a productive session. He urged the Opposition to fulfill its role responsibly by engaging in constructive debate and vigilance rather than resorting to disruptions.
The session witnessed the swearing-in of 280 new Members of Parliament (MPs), with Bhartruhari Mahtab appointed as the pro-tem Speaker. Mahtab, a seasoned parliamentarian and a seven-term MP, was administered the oath by President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan. The session is scheduled to have eight sittings, concluding on July 3.
Opposition’s Protest Over Pro-tem Speaker Appointment
The commencement of the session was marked by the Opposition’s protest over the appointment of Bhartruhari Mahtab as the pro-tem Speaker. The Opposition, particularly the members of the INDIA bloc, expressed their discontent with the government’s decision to overlook Kodikunnil Suresh, an eight-term Lok Sabha member, for the position. Traditionally, the senior-most MP is appointed to this post.
The Opposition accused the government of sidelining Suresh due to his Dalit background, calling it a violation of the Constitution. The INDIA bloc staged a protest before entering the Parliament, declaring that they would not support the government in this matter.
Election of the Lok Sabha Speaker
The election of the new Lok Sabha Speaker is scheduled for Wednesday, June 26. While the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) is advocating for a consensus candidate, the Opposition insists that the Deputy Speaker post should be offered to them as per convention. Some Congress leaders are reportedly pushing for Kodikunnil Suresh to be fielded for the Speaker post, aiming to make a political statement.
The first session of the 18th Lok Sabha is poised to be a significant one, with the government and Opposition set to tackle several pressing issues, including the ongoing NEET-NET exam paper leak controversy. The dynamics of the session will likely shape the legislative landscape and set the tone for the functioning of the newly constituted House.
As the session progresses, all eyes will be on the interactions between the government and the Opposition, and how effectively they navigate the challenges to serve the people of India.
