New Delhi: The first day of the 18th Lok Sabha session witnessed mixed reactions from both the treasury benches and the opposition. Prime Minister Narendra Modi called it a historic moment for parliamentary democracy in India, with the newly elected MPs taking oath in the new Parliament building for the first time since independence.
While the prime minister promised to work “three times harder,” he also lashed out at the opposition, especially the Congress, calling the June 25, 1975 state of emergency a “black spot on the constitution.”
In response, the Congress accused Modi of 'diversion' and said the Prime Minister had nothing new to offer in his inaugural address to the 18th Lok Sabha.
Consensus is key
Highlighting the challenges of leading a coalition government in his third term, Modi said that while a majority is needed to run a government, “consensus is very important” to govern the country, ending dependence on the Bharatiya Janata party of allies and like-minded opposition parties. to further India's objectives.
The BJP won 240 seats in the 543-member House of Commons, which was not enough for an absolute majority of 272 seats in the recently concluded general elections.
“It is for the second time after independence that a government has been given an opportunity to serve the country for the third time in a row. This opportunity comes after sixty years and that is a matter of pride,” he added.
This third term mandate, he said, reflects the people's approval of the government's intentions, policies and commitment. Modi also said that the public expects meaningful debate and commitment from the House of Representatives, and not disruptions and drama.
“People look for content, not slogans. The country needs a strong, responsible opposition and I am confident that the MPs elected to the 18th Lok Sabha will strive to meet the expectations of the common man.”
Viksit Bharat in 2047
Stressing the collective responsibility required to achieve India's development goals and lift 25 crore citizens out of poverty, Modi extended an olive branch to the opposition, inviting them to participate in nation building.
“Parliamentary sessions are an opportunity for us to realize the dreams of Indian citizens. It is an opportunity for us to build Shrestha Bharat and achieve our goal Viksit Bharat by 2047.”
Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, Home Minister Amit Shah and Road and Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari, among others, were sworn in as members of the Lok Sabha. Amid protests by opposition members over the NEET paper leak, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan also took oath.
Congress leader Jairam Ramesh took to microblogging site X to criticize the Prime Minister. “The non-biological Prime Minister who suffered a resounding personal, political and moral defeat in the Lok Sabha elections has just desh has the name sandesh outside Parliament as the 18th Lok Sabha prepares to begin its term,” he said.
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Published: Jun 24, 2024 6:33 PM IST