Introduction
On Monday, as India's 18th Lok Sabha commenced its first session, the political landscape was charged with both anticipation and tension. Prime Minister Narendra Modi set the tone with a call for constructive opposition and substance over slogans, while opposition parties rallied around the Constitution, signaling their intent to scrutinize the government's actions closely.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi
The Prime Minister's Address
In his customary pre-session address to the media, Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the importance of consensus in governance. He stated, "A majority is required to run a government, but consensus is extremely important to run a country." This statement carries particular weight given that the BJP's tally in the 18th Lok Sabha falls short of a majority, necessitating support from National Democratic Alliance (NDA) allies. It marks the first time Modi Ji is heading a coalition government, adding a new dimension to his leadership approach.
Modi also highlighted the historic nature of the occasion, noting that it was the first time since Independence that oaths were being taken in the new Parliament building. He expressed pride in his government's third consecutive term, a feat not achieved in six decades. The Prime Minister asserted that this electoral success was a clear endorsement of his government's policies and intentions.
In a message directed at the opposition, Modi emphasized the need for substance over theatrics: "The country does not need slogans, it needs substance. The country needs a good Opposition, a responsible Opposition." This call for constructive engagement set the stage for what would prove to be a contentious start to the session.
Opposition's Constitutional Stand
The opposition, particularly members of the INDIA bloc, chose to make a strong statement by gathering near the statue of Mahatma Gandhi on the Parliament premises. They then marched to Parliament, prominently displaying copies of the Constitution and chanting slogans such as "Long live Constitution" and "We will save the Constitution." This symbolic act was a clear indication of their intent to position themselves as defenders of constitutional values.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi articulated the opposition's stance, declaring that they would not allow the Constitution to be "attacked" by Prime Minister Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah. This set the tone for a session where constitutional debates are likely to feature prominently.
Oath-Taking Ceremony and Protests
The oath-taking ceremony in the Lok Sabha became a platform for both celebration and protest. As Prime Minister Modi took his oath, the first to do so, supporters from the treasury benches raised chants of "Jai Shri Ram." In response, opposition MPs, including Rahul Gandhi and Samajwadi Party's Akhilesh Yadav, held up copies of the Constitution.
This pattern continued throughout the ceremony, with opposition members raising the Constitution during key moments, such as when Amit Shah took his oath. The protest took a more specific turn when Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan approached to take his oath, with opposition members shouting "NEET," referencing alleged irregularities in the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test Undergraduate exam.
These actions underscore the opposition's strategy of using the Constitution as a rallying point and highlight specific grievances against the government, setting the stage for future debates and confrontations in the parliamentary session.
Controversy Over Speaker Pro-tem
The appointment of BJP Lok Sabha member Bhartruhari Mahtab as Speaker pro-tem sparked controversy. The INDIA bloc objected to this choice, arguing that the claim of eight-term Congress member K Suresh, a Dalit leader, had been overlooked. This disagreement over procedural matters foreshadows potential conflicts over parliamentary appointments and processes. Interestingly, some opposition members appointed to the panel of chairpersons, including K Suresh, TR Baalu (DMK), and Sudip Bandyopadhyay (TMC), did not appear to take their oaths. This absence could be interpreted as a form of protest or dissent against the proceedings.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressing the media on the first day of the 18th Lok Sabha session on Monday, June 24, 2024. (PTI Photo)
Linguistic Diversity in Oath-Taking
The oath-taking ceremony showcased India's linguistic diversity, with members swearing in various languages including Hindi, Marathi, Odia, Dogri, Telugu, Kannada, Bengali, and Assamese. Some members, such as Union minister Shripad Yesso Naik and BJP MP Bansuri Swaraj, chose to take their oaths in Sanskrit. This linguistic variety reflects the cultural richness of India's parliamentary democracy.
However, the ceremony also highlighted linguistic limitations, as BJP MP Rajiv Pratap Rudy expressed regret at not being able to take his oath in Bhojpuri, which is not listed in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution. This incident brings attention to ongoing debates about language recognition and representation in India's federal structure.
Historical Context and Future Implications
Prime Minister Modi drew attention to historical context by referencing the Emergency imposed by then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in 1975. Describing it as a "black spot" on democracy when the Constitution was "discarded," Modi pledged to prevent such occurrences in the future. This reference to a contentious period in India's democratic history serves as both a reminder of past challenges and a point of comparison for current political debates.
Looking ahead, the opposition indicated potential challenges to the government's agenda. Revolutionary Socialist Party MP NK Premachandran suggested that the opposition might field a candidate for the Speaker's election if the government fails to build consensus on its choice. While sources within the opposition later downplayed this possibility, it highlights the delicate balance of power and the potential for parliamentary maneuvering in the coming sessions.
Opposition Response and Critique
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge offered a sharp rebuttal to the Prime Minister's remarks. In a statement on social media, Kharge accused the government of presiding over an "Undeclared Emergency" for the past decade. He challenged Modi's call for substance over slogans, insisting that the opposition would continue to raise people's voices both in Parliament and on the streets.
Kharge also highlighted several issues that he claimed the Prime Minister had neglected to address, including recent train accidents, unrest in Manipur, floods in the Northeast, alleged stock market irregularities, and debates over caste census. This critique outlines the key areas where the opposition is likely to challenge the government in upcoming parliamentary debates.
Conclusion
The commencement of the 18th Lok Sabha's first session has set the stage for a period of intense political engagement and debate in India. With the government calling for constructive opposition and the opposition rallying around constitutional values, the session promises to be a crucial test of India's parliamentary democracy. As the new Lok Sabha begins its work, several key themes emerge: the balance between majority rule and consensus-building, the role of opposition in a robust democracy, the importance of constitutional principles, and the addressing of pressing national issues. The coming weeks and months will reveal how these themes play out in legislative action and political discourse, shaping the direction of India's governance and democratic practice.
In this charged political atmosphere, the ability of both the government and opposition to navigate their differences while addressing the needs and aspirations of India's diverse population will be critical. As Prime Minister Modi noted, the goal remains to "serve mother India" and "fulfil the hopes and aspirations of 140 crore countrymen." How this goal is pursued and achieved within the framework of parliamentary democracy will be the defining narrative of this new Lok Sabha session.
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