Manashimaya
The much-anticipated first session of the 18th Lok Sabha is set to commence today, marking a pivotal moment in Indian politics following the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections. The BJP, having secured 240 seats, and the NDA, with a total of 293 seats, are poised to steer the parliamentary agenda. The spotlight of this session will be on the oath-taking ceremony, the NEET-UG 2024 controversy, and the election of the Speaker.
In this first session after the Lok Sabha elections, newly elected members, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, will take their oaths. President Droupadi Murmu will administer the oath to seven-time MP Bhartruhari Mahtab, appointed as the pro-tem Speaker. Mahtab will subsequently invite PM Modi to take the oath as a member of the House and oversee the initial proceedings. The President has also appointed Suresh Kodikunnil, Thalikkottai Rajuthevar Baalu, Radha Mohan Singh, Faggan Singh Kulaste, and Sudip Bandyopadhyay to assist in the oath-taking process.
The NEET-UG 2024 controversy has become a significant issue, with allegations of paper leaks and other irregularities coming to the fore. Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi have vocally criticised the BJP-led NDA government on this matter, expressing solidarity with the affected students. This controversy is expected to be a focal point in the first session of Parliament after the LS elections, as the opposition seeks to hold the government accountable.
Moreover, the election of the Speaker will be a critical aspect of this first session. The opposition is anticipated to challenge the BJP-led NDA government on the selection of the pro-tem Speaker, potentially leading to heated debates. The choice of Bhartruhari Mahtab as the pro-tem Speaker has already sparked discussions, with various political factions scrutinising the decision.
The Congress party is set to convene a meeting of its newly elected MPs at 10 am today at the CPP office in Parliament. This gathering aims to strategise on how to address the NEET-UG 2024 controversy and other pressing issues during the first session. The Congress is determined to leverage the parliamentary platform to highlight the grievances of students and demand corrective measures from the government.
As the first session of the Parliament after the LS elections begins, the NEET-UG 2024 controversy and the election of the Speaker will dominate the proceedings. The BJP-led NDA government, having secured a significant majority, will face its first major challenge in addressing these issues. The opposition, emboldened by the recent elections, is prepared to put up a formidable fight in the House.
To sum up, the opening of the 18th Lok Sabha promises to be a momentous occasion in Indian political history. This session will determine the nature of the parliamentary dynamics in the upcoming months, with the Speaker election, the NEET-UG 2024 controversy, and the swearing-in of PM Modi and other MPs. The decisions and consequences from these talks will have a significant impact on the political and governance environment of the country.