18th Lok Sabha First Session: The 18th Lok Sabha’s first session is scheduled to start on Monday, June 24. The opposition is preparing to mount a multifaceted challenge to the NDA government. The newly elected Members of Parliament will take an oath at the first session since the Lok Sabha elections 2024. On June 26, the Lok Sabha Speaker will be chosen, and on June 27, President Droupadi Murmu will address a joint session of both Houses.
Government’s Decision on Acting Speaker Sparks Debate
With the beginning of the first session of the 18th Lok Sabha, the swearing-in of new members of Parliament will take place on 24th and 25th June. During this, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be the first to take oath as an MP. Pro tem Speaker Bhartruhari Mahtab will administer the oath to him. After PM Modi, Rajnath Singh, Amit Shah, Nitin Gadkari and all other top leaders will take oath.
Encouraged by its larger numbers, the Opposition is anticipated to be aggressive, concentrating on matters like purported anomalies in the NEET-UG and NET exams, the moving of statues within the Parliament building complex, and the government’s choice to designate seven-term BJP MP Bhartruhari Mahtab as the acting Speaker. The Rajya Sabha’s 264th Session is scheduled to commence on June 27 and end on July 3. The joint session will recommence on July 22 for the monsoon sitting.
President Murmu Administers Oath to Mahtab
On Monday, Bhartruhari Mahtab, a BJP MP, was sworn in as the 18th Lok Sabha’s pro-tem speaker. Mahtab was administered the oath by President Droupadi Murmu. As a result, the senior member of parliament will lead the Lok Sabha meeting and supervise the oath-taking of the just elected Members of Parliament.
The opposition has condemned Mahtab’s nomination, alleging that the administration disregarded eight-term Lok Sabha MP for the Congress, Kodikunnil Suresh. The government has been charged by the opposition with disrespecting tradition and Suresh’s seniority.
PM Modi Calls for Constructive Opposition in Lok Sabha
PM Narendra Modi says, “The people of the country expect good steps from the opposition. I hope that the opposition will live up to the expectations of the common citizens of the country to maintain the dignity of democracy. People do not want drama, disturbance. People want substance, not slogans. The country needs a good opposition, a responsible opposition and I have full faith that the MPs who have won in this 18th Lok Sabha will try to fulfill these expectations of the common man…”
Prior to the current meeting, Rijiju greeted the newly elected parliamentarians. He said, “The First Session of 18th Lok Sabha begins today, the 24th June, 2024. I welcome all the new elected hon’ble members. I shall be always available to assist the members as Minister of Parliamentary Affairs. I’m positively looking forward for co-ordination to run the house.” Congress leader Jairam Ramesh replied, “Actions will speak louder than words Mr. Minister. Walk the talk.”
INDIA Group’s Symbolic Protest Over Relocation of Gandhi Statue
The Mahatma Gandhi statue used to be located at Gate No. 2 of the former Parliament building, and MPs from the INDIA group have organized a symbolic protest there. This statue was moved to a new location called Prerna Sthal, along with others. A prominent opposition figure informed news agency PTI that certain Members of Parliament will carry copies of the Indian Constitution and make their way to the Parliament building.
The opposition is prepared to address a number of controversial topics, chief among them the claims of cheating, paper leaks, and corruption in the NEET-UG and NET tests. Mallikarjun Kharge, the head of the Congress, has already launched an offensive, claiming that the National Testing Agency is working for the “devious interests” of the RSS and the BJP. The NTA chief was fired by the government in reaction to the incident, and an expert group was formed to suggest exam improvements.