The political landscape of India is once again alive with the buzz of a new Lok Sabha session. The 18th Lok Sabha was formed after recent general elections where the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) clinched a significant victory with 293 seats, while the INDIA bloc demonstrated its strength with 234 seats. Here’s a detailed look at what went down in the parliament today.
Oath-Taking Ceremony
The oath-taking ceremony was a key highlight of the day. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) veteran Bhartruhari Mahtab stepped into the role of pro-tem Speaker, overseeing this crucial process. Prime Minister Modi, as the Leader of the Lok Sabha, reaffirmed his commitment to the nation.
Watch: PM Modi takes oath as a Member of Parliament in the 18th Lok Sabha session pic.twitter.com/HPQ0RfwFjt
— IANS (@ians_india) June 24, 2024
The first meeting of the 18th Lok Sabha will take place from June 24 to July 3, where newly elected members will swear their oaths.
Amid vocal chants of ‘NEET’ from the Opposition, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan solemnly took oath as a member of the Lok Sabha. This moment took place against the backdrop of the protests sparked by widespread allegations of ‘irregularities’ surrounding the NEET-UG medical entrance exam.
Dharmendra Pradhan Minister of Education takes oath as a member of the 18th #LokSabha @dpradhanbjp @EduMinOfIndia pic.twitter.com/6pvClxOMTT
— DD News (@DDNewslive) June 24, 2024
Opposition’s Stand
Amid controversy surrounding Bhartruhari Mahtab’s appointment as a pro-tem speaker, leaders from the INDIA bloc protested on Monday within the Parliament premises in Delhi, holding copies of the Constitution. Among those participating were Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and Mallikarjun Kharge from the Congress Parliamentary Party. Gaurav Gogoi, a Congress MP, criticized the ruling party, accusing them of arrogance and neglecting crucial national issues.
#WATCH | Delhi: INDIA bloc leaders including Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, protest in Parliament premises pic.twitter.com/QoFKaoavR0
— ANI (@ANI) June 24, 2024
None of the three Opposition leaders—TR Balu from the DMK, K Suresh from the Congress, and Sudip Bandopadhyay from the Trinamool Congress—who were supposed to assist pro-tem Speaker Bhartruhari Mahtab, attended their duties. They did this to protest against the appointment of the pro-tem Speaker.
The Opposition is expected to address the alleged irregularities in the NEET and NET competitive exams. Amid the growing controversy, the Centre replaced National Testing Agency Director General Subodh Singh with IAS Pradeep Singh Kharola on Saturday and established a seven-member panel to review the agency’s operations and suggest exam reforms.
PM Modi’s Message
“I hope the opposition will meet the expectations of our citizens by upholding the dignity of our democracy. People aren’t looking for drama or disruptions; they want meaningful action, not just slogans. Our country needs a strong and responsible opposition to ensure progress and accountability.”This was Prime Minister Modi’s message to the opposition today before the session of the parliament.
“Tomorrow, June 25th marks 50 years since a dark stain was placed on India’s democracy. The new generation will never forget how the Constitution was completely rejected, torn to pieces, and the country turned into a prison. Democracy was entirely suppressed,” he said.
#WATCH | PM Narendra Modi says, "Tomorrow is 25th June. 25th June marks 50 years of the blot that was put on the democracy of India. The new generation of India will never forget that the Constitution of India was completely rejected, every part of the Constitution was torn to… pic.twitter.com/FelYrEut2s
— ANI (@ANI) June 24, 2024
“In the past 10 years, we’ve aimed to establish a tradition based on our belief that while a majority is needed to run the government, consensus is crucial to run the country. We will continue to strive to serve Maa Bharti and meet the aspirations of 140 crore people, working with everyone’s consent and bringing everyone together,” he added.
18th Lok Sabha’s upcoming Sessions
Looking ahead, the 18th Lok Sabha has a packed schedule. On June 26, the election of the Lok Sabha Speaker will take place. This election is more than just a procedural formality; it will shape the leadership and the tone of the lower house for the coming term.
On June 27, President Droupadi Murmu is set to address a joint sitting of both houses of Parliament. This address is expected to outline the government’s agenda and set the legislative priorities for the session.
Political Dynamics at Play
The dynamics within the 18th Lok Sabha are quite interesting this time.The NDA, with its clear majority, holds a dominant position, but the INDIA bloc’s substantial presence ensures that the opposition’s voice will be significant and, likely, vocal. The decision by the INDIA bloc MPs to refrain from assisting the pro-tem Speaker is an early indication of their strategy to assert their presence and influence.
The Role of the Speaker
The election of the Speaker on June 26 is a pivotal event. The Speaker’s role is crucial in maintaining the order and decorum of the house, ensuring that debates are conducted fairly and that all voices, including those of the opposition, are heard. The Speaker also has a significant influence on the legislative agenda and the functioning of parliamentary committees. Therefore, the choice of Speaker will be closely watched and is of immense importance.
Looking Forward
As the 18th Lok Sabha embarks on its journey, the nation watches with bated breath. The legislative and policy decisions made in this session will have far-reaching implications for India’s future. The blend of tradition, political posturing, and hope for robust parliamentary discourse seen today is just the beginning. The nation looks forward to seeing how these dynamics will play out in the coming days and months.
