18th Lok Sabha session set to commence, new MPs to take oath.
The first session of the newly constituted 18th Lok Sabha is set to begin on Monday with the administering of oaths to newly elected members. PM Narendra Modi and Council of Ministers will be sworn in first, followed by MPs in alphabetical order over two days.
BJP veteran Bhartruhari Mahtab has been appointed pro tem Speaker, triggering criticism from Opposition parties who claimed a Congress member was overlooked for the post. President Murmu will officially appoint Mahtab on Monday before proceedings commence.
As per parliamentary conventions, upon taking charge Mahtab will call an order in the House and the general-secretary will place the list of members. PM Modi, as Leader of the Lok Sabha, will then take oath.
Five senior MPs have been named to assist Mahtab in administering oaths to the remaining MPs on Monday and 264 members the next day. The election for permanent Speaker will happen on June 26 when Modi is also expected to introduce his team.
President’s address to the joint session is scheduled for June 27 while debate on her speech begins the next day. PM is likely to reply in the first week of July before both Houses adjourn briefly and resume on July 22 for a Budget presentation.
The new session thus begins with ceremonial proceedings marking the start of a new government with a stronger NDA majority in the Lower House.
