The first session of the newly elected 18th Lok Sabha is set to begin on June 24, 2024, and will run until July 3, 2024. During this period, several significant parliamentary activities are scheduled, including the oath-taking of new members, the election of the Speaker, and an address by President Droupadi Murmu.
Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijiju announced the session dates through a post on the social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter). He stated, “First session of 18th Lok Sabha is being summoned from 24/6/24 to 3/7/24 for oath/affirmation of newly elected members, election of Speaker, President’s address, and discussion thereon.”
The first three days of the Lok Sabha session will be dedicated to the newly elected members taking their oaths or affirming their membership. The election of the Speaker will also take place during these initial days. President Murmu will address a joint sitting of the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha on June 27, outlining the new government’s roadmap for the next five years.
Simultaneously, the 264th session of the Rajya Sabha will commence on June 27 and will conclude on July 3, 2024. This synchronization allows both houses of Parliament to engage in coordinated legislative activities.
The Lok Sabha’s first session will see the administration of oaths to the newly elected members and the election of the Speaker. This election is crucial, as the Speaker plays a pivotal role in maintaining order and decorum within the House. The Speaker also has significant powers, including deciding on the disqualification of members under the anti-defection law.
President Droupadi Murmu’s address on June 27 will be a significant event, as she will lay out the new government’s vision and agenda. Following the President’s address, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to introduce his council of ministers to Parliament.
The session is expected to be dynamic, with a robust opposition ready to challenge the government on various issues. The debate on the Motion of Thanks on the President’s address is anticipated to be particularly intense, with the opposition poised to raise concerns about recent controversies, including the share market ‘scam’ and alleged NEET exam irregularities.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju emphasized the importance of constructive debate and discussion. He said, “The mandate of the people has to be followed. The ones who have got a mandate to govern will have to do so and those who are sitting in the opposition should also play the role of a constructive opposition. Be it a small party or a large one, each has a role. Each MP is important. Each party will get its due under the guidance of the Speaker of the Lok Sabha and Chairman of the Rajya Sabha. The role of the opposition and government is different but the goal is to work in national interest. I hope that in the coming session, everyone will have a constructive approach to ensure smooth and vibrant functioning of Parliament.”
Composition of the 18th Lok Sabha
The 18th Lok Sabha comprises a significant number of first-time MPs, with 280 newcomers and 216 re-elected members. Among these, only eight members have changed their constituencies. The strength of women members has seen a slight decrease from 78 in the 17th Lok Sabha to 74 in the current session.
The BJP, having secured 240 seats in the recent elections, is expected to keep the Speaker’s post within its ranks. However, there are ongoing discussions among NDA allies, such as the TDP and JD(U), regarding their interest in the Speaker’s position. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray has urged these parties to push for the Speaker’s post to avoid a potential split.
As the first session of the 18th Lok Sabha convenes, it will set the stage for crucial legislative activities and dynamic political discourse. With a mix of new and returning members, and a robust opposition ready to engage, this session promises to shape India’s parliamentary future. Stay tuned for further updates and insights as the session unfolds.
