Prime Minister Narendra Modi was sworn in as a Member of Parliament for the third time as the inaugural session of the 18th Lok Sabha began on Monday, June 24. This first sitting of Parliament since the Lok Sabha elections also saw newly elected MPs who are part of the Council of Ministers taking their oaths.
A reinvigorated Opposition is gearing up to challenge the NDA government on multiple fronts. With increased numbers, the Opposition is expected to be more combative, focusing on issues such as alleged irregularities in the NEET-UG and NET exams, the relocation of statues within the Parliament complex, and the government's decision to appoint seven-term BJP MP Bhartruhari Mahtab as the pro tem Speaker.
The 264th Session of the Rajya Sabha will commence on June 27, with the joint session concluding on July 3 and resuming for the monsoon sitting on July 22.
Here are the latest updates:
- The session began with President Droupadi Murmu administering the oath to BJP's Bhartruhari Mahtab as the pro tem Speaker. Mahtab then called upon Prime Minister Narendra Modi to take his oath as a member of the House, followed by the oath-taking ceremony for other newly elected MPs.
- The Opposition has criticized Mahtab's appointment, arguing that Congress's Kodikunnil Suresh, an eight-term Lok Sabha MP, was overlooked by the government. They accuse the government of flouting conventions and disregarding Suresh's seniority.
- Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju addressed these concerns, stating, "I met DMK Parliamentary Party leader TR Baalu. Everyone agrees that pro tem Speaker has never been an issue in the history of the Indian Parliament and the appointment of pro tem Speaker is basically to administer the oath to the newly elected members and help in the election of the new Speaker."
- Ahead of the session, Rijiju welcomed the new lawmakers, stating, “The First Session of the 18th Lok Sabha begins today, June 24, 2024. I welcome all the newly elected Hon'ble members. I shall always be available to assist the members as Minister of Parliamentary Affairs. I'm positively looking forward to coordination to run the house.”
- Congress leader Jairam Ramesh responded, “Actions will speak louder than words Mr. Minister. Walk the talk.”
- MPs from the INDIA bloc have planned a symbolic protest by gathering near Gate No. 2 of the old Parliament building, where the statue of Mahatma Gandhi once stood. This statue, along with others, was relocated to a new area called Prerna Sthal. A senior opposition leader told news agency PTI that some MPs would hold copies of the Constitution of India and walk down to the Parliament building.
- The Opposition is poised to address several contentious issues, particularly the allegations of paper leaks, cheating, and corruption in the NEET-UG and NET exams. Congress is already on the offensive, with party chief Mallikarjun Kharge alleging that the National Testing Agency was serving the "devious interests" of the BJP and RSS.
In response to the controversy, the government has removed the NTA chief and established an expert committee to recommend exam reforms. This action underscores the government’s commitment to addressing the concerns raised and ensuring the integrity of competitive examinations.
