First Session of 18th Lok Sabha: Congress To Protest Mahtab’s Appointment As Pro-Tem Speaker, India Bloc Set To Spar Over Paper Leaks

Amid the discontent of Opposition parties on several issues, including exam irregularities and the appointment of the pro-tem Speaker, the first session of the 18th Lok Sabha is set to commence today. This will continue until July 3 and an oath will be administered to PM Modi, ministers and the newly elected MPs.

BJP leader Bhartuhari Mahtab, a senior member of the House, has been appointed as the Pro-tem Speaker. Mahtab will be sworn in as the Speaker of the Lok Sabha by the President.

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A furore is expected on the opening day of the first session in the lower house. India bloc MPs have decided to not sit on the Speaker's chair to assist the Pro-tem Speaker during the oath-taking ceremony of lawmakers, ANI reported citing sources. They have alleged that the BJP has broken the tradition by appointing Bhartuhari Mahtab as the speaker, overlooking the seniority of Congress’ K Suresh, who is an 8-time MP. Moreover, the house is likely to face disruptions as Opposition MPs might raise the issue of paper leaks.

During this first session of the Lok Sabha, which will last for about ten days, the election for the Lok Sabha Speaker will be held on June 26. On June 27, President Droupadi Murmu will address the joint session of both Houses of Parliament.

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The scene in the 18th Lok Sabha will be different this time. The opposition, which until now was limited to a few benches, will appear in a much stronger position in the Lok Sabha this time, with a total of 234 members. Out of these, 99 members will be from the Congress alone. On the other hand, the ruling party will have a total of 293 members in the House, with the BJP alone having 240 members.