New Delhi: Commencing today, the inaugural session of Parliament following the Lok Sabha elections witnessed the swearing-in of the recently elected Members of Parliament, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
These are the latest developments regarding this significant event:
- Bhartruhari Mahtab, a BJP MP, was sworn in as the Pro-Tem Speaker by President Droupadi Murmu at the Rashtrapati Bhavan. Following this, he requested the Prime Minister to take the oath as a member of the House. Today, approximately 280 newly-elected MPs are taking their oaths, with the remaining 260 parliamentarians, such as Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, scheduled to take their oaths tomorrow.
- Prior to the crucial Parliament session, Prime Minister Modi criticized the Congress and labeled the Emergency as a stain on democracy. He expressed, “The Opposition has been underwhelming thus far, however, I am optimistic that it will fulfill its responsibilities in Parliament. The public desires meaningful discussions over mere catchphrases, they seek constructive debates and dedication rather than chaos.”
- The controversy surrounding the selection of seven-time MP Bhartruhari Mahtab as the Pro-Tem Speaker is expected to intensify. The position of Pro Tem Speaker, albeit temporary, is customarily bestowed upon the most senior member of parliament.
- The Congress party, anticipating the appointment of Kodikunnil Suresh, a Dalit leader and an eight-time MP from Kerala, as Pro-Tem Speaker, has voiced disapproval towards the BJP for selecting Mr. Mahtab.
- On June 26, the Lok Sabha Speaker will be chosen through an election. During the initial sessions of the Lok Sabha, the Pro-Tem Speaker will preside over and oversee the election process for the new Speaker and Deputy Speaker.
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi is anticipated to announce the name of the new Speaker on Wednesday, which is two days after the first sitting of the recently elected 18th Lok Sabha. Once the Speaker is elected, the Pro-Tem Speaker’s role will come to an end.
- Additionally, the Opposition is expected to raise concerns regarding alleged irregularities in competitive exams such as NEET and NET. In response to the escalating controversy, the Centre has replaced the Director General of the National Testing Agency, Subodh Singh, and established a seven-member panel to assess the agency’s functioning and propose reforms for the exams.
- The government has implemented a strict law to address malpractices and irregularities in competitive exams. Offenders could face a maximum jail term of 10 years and a fine of up to ₹1 crore as part of the stringent measures.
- President Droupadi Murmu is scheduled to speak at a joint session of the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha on June 27. During this session, she may present the new government’s plans for the upcoming five years. The session is set to end on July 3.
- Last week, the Congress organized nationwide protests in response to the exam fiasco, urging Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan to step down. Rahul Gandhi, a Member of Parliament from the Congress party, declared his intention to address the matter in parliament and emphasized that the opposition would exert pressure on the government to secure justice for the students.